As a whole, the insurance industry isn’t particularly trusting – and maybe that’s understandable. It’s estimated that insurance fraud, whether that involves padded claims or staged car accidents, costs insurance companies $80 billion in losses every year.
Unfortunately, that means that even people who have suffered genuine injuries and losses due to another party’s mistakes can be suspected of exaggerating their claims or wholesale faking. Because of that, insurance companies really do sometimes hire private investigators to follow victims around and look for evidence of fraud.
Where do investigators try to get evidence to dispute a claim?
If you’ve been injured and you’re pursuing a claim for compensation, getting a fair settlement isn’t always easy. You may have to tolerate the fact that the insurance company involved has sent an investigator or private detective out to follow you. Here’s where they might do it:
Shopping centers
If your mobility is affected by your injuries or you now have trouble lifting and carrying, the grocery store is almost a trap. Video of you lifting a bag of dog food into your car or pushing a heavy shopping cart around can draw your credibility into question – because the camera doesn’t show the pain you’re in while you do it.
Your front door
Investigators aren’t above sitting in a vehicle on your street and filming you as you go in and out of your house. If you have a back or shoulder injury that they doubt, they’re also not above sending a large box or package to you, just to see if you’ll pick it up (against doctor’s orders). Their logic is that if you’re really injured, you won’t even try.
Your backyard
Investigators can’t come onto your property without your permission – but they can look over your fence. They may hope to catch you mowing the lawn or weeding when you aren’t supposed to be bending, kneeling, pushing or walking very far.
Your social media
Investigators may not even have to follow you in person to get something they can use. Anything posted online is “fair game” in their search, and even pictures of you smiling at a family dinner could be taken out of context and used against you.
Protecting your claim for fair compensation after an injury means being conscious of the lengths that insurance companies go to in order to protect their bottom line. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help you learn more.
