- Workers' Compensation
When you file a Coral Springs workers’ comp claim, there’s a chance the insurance company will hire a private investigator. If the investigator is giving you a hard time or harassing you, they’re out of line. If this happens, our Coral Springs workers comp lawyers can help.
Who Would Actually Hire the Private Investigator?
You may wonder who would pay to hire a private investigator. It seems a bit much for someone who’s done nothing but filed a Coral Springs workers comp claim. You’d be surprised how often this kind of thing happens.
Technically, the insurance company is the one that will hire a private eye. This doesn’t mean your employer isn’t aware of what’s going on. They have probably conducted their own internal investigation into your workplace accident.
What Kind of People Investigate Coral Springs Workers Comp Claims?
When some people hear the words “private investigator”, they envision the old movies where a gumshoe detective is hired by a suspicious spouse. While people still do this, it’s different when it comes to a Coral Springs workers comp claim.
The people who do this work come from all walks of life. Some of the people who work as private investigators for insurance companies include:
- Investigators from PI agencies
- Retired police officers
- Retired attorneys
- Computer experts
- Social media experts
As long as a person has the tools and skills to conduct an insurance investigation, they are qualified to do the job.
Is it Legal for the Insurance Company to Do This?
While anybody may be qualified to be a private investigator, that doesn’t mean they’re allowed to. It’s one thing if a person works for an insurance company. However, if they hire someone from the outside, the person must be licensed.
In order to perform private investigation work in Florida, a person must be licensed.
In Florida, the licensing requirements are as follows:
- Individual investigator – Class C license
- Private Investigative Firm – Class CC license
- P.I. Agency – Class A license
The licenses for these jobs are issued by the Florida Department of Insurance. If a person doesn’t have a valid license, they are not legally allowed to conduct this sort of investigation.
Why Would the Insurance Company Hire a Private Investigator in the First Place?
When our Coral Springs workers comp lawyers first meet with a client, we warn them about this sort of thing. If your claim is large, the insurance company is going to want to know if your injuries are legitimate.
One way for them to do this is to employ a private investigator. Most companies have an internal team who handles this. However, there is a chance that they could outsource it. If you believe you’re being followed, make sure to let your Coral Springs workers comp lawyer know immediately.
The Insurance Adjuster May Not Believe You Were Injured
One of the biggest reasons the insurance company wants your Coral Springs workers’ comp claim investigated is because they think you’re lying about your injuries. Clearly, your workers’ compensation doctor will confirm that you are injured. The concern is that you’re exaggerating your injuries.
They May Believe Your Coral Springs Workers Comp Claim is Fraudulent
Another reason the insurance carrier may have your claim investigated is because they think it’s fraudulent. They may believe that you were hurt on personal time. They assume you’re just trying to get paid for an injury that took place outside the workplace.
Some of the things the private investigator will look for are:
- You say you hurt your back, but they have a video of you playing basketball or football.
- You claim you cannot drive but they follow you in your car three days in a row.
- The investigator will search your social media accounts to see if there are any comments about your injuries.
The information the investigator is looking for depends on the nature and extent of your injuries.
Your Coral Springs Workers Comp Lawyer is Well Aware That This Can Happen
Our Coral Springs workers comp lawyers warn their clients that the insurance company may hire a private investigator. This way, you don’t get scared if you notice someone following you.
The problem is, just because you know why you’re being followed, it doesn’t make it any easier. Many of our clients are upset when they see what’s happening. There are times when our Coral Springs workers comp lawyers need to warn the insurance company that they’re taking things too far.
Many of Our Clients Have Had to Deal with This
We wish we could say that this behavior is unusual. Unfortunately, many of our clients have had to contend with this. They complain that they feel violated. The best advice we can give them is to just be themselves.
You shouldn’t have to change the way you live your life because the insurance company doesn’t trust you. If things get out of hand, make sure to let your Coral Springs workers comp lawyer know.
As Long as You Behave Normally You Shouldn’t Have Anything to Worry About
One word of advice we have for people who’ve filed a Coral Springs workers comp claim is to take these things in stride. If they’ve been honest about their injuries, they have nothing to worry about.
What Kind of Things Will the Private Investigator Be Looking For?
Sometimes, it’s a good idea to know what the investigators will be looking for. This way, you can try to keep their intrusions to a minimum. Sometimes, the investigator wants to see if you’re working another job while collecting workers comp.
Other times, they just want to see if you’re faking your injuries. They will videotape you going about your business. They may even show up in places they expect you to be. Just try to brush it off and know that you’ve done nothing wrong.
When Has a Private Investigator Gone Too Far?
There are times when the insurance company’s private eye has gone too far. Just because you filed a Coral Springs workers comp claim, you don’t deserve to be harassed.
If the investigator starts to do any of the following things, they may have crossed the line:
- You notice they trying to record what’s going on in the privacy of your home.
- They put you at risk of physical harm.
- They start to tell private information to third parties.
As soon as you feel uncomfortable, make sure you talk to your Coral Springs workers comp lawyer.
Reach Out to Your Coral Springs Workers Comp Lawyer if You’re Being Harassed
It’s one thing for the insurance company to hire a private investigator to follow you. It’s another thing for the investigator to harass you. If this is happening, you need to speak with an experienced Coral Springs workers comp lawyer.
We do offer all new clients a free, initial consultation. This gives you a chance to sit down with someone who knows the law. They’ll answer any questions you may have. They can also contact the insurance company and tell them to back off.
