Michigan workers compensation lawyer discusses the investigation process and why some injured employees are treated like criminals.
Privacy issues are a hot topic in the news. NSA surveillance programs and high profile leaks have given many Americans something to think about. This has led to a debate about how much intrusion we really want in our lives.
Workers compensation is not immune to these privacy issues. Insurance companies have been using surveillance and activity checks for years. Any irregularity could mean that a claim gets denied.
Employees with thirty year careers are thrown out with the trash. Awards for perfect attendance and service mean nothing. We see it all the time. Here are some ways the insurance company could invade your privacy.
Medical records
Your medical history is an open book once you file a claim for workers compensation benefits. Insurance companies are looking for pre-existing conditions that can be used to justify a dispute. We have seen insurance companies ask for a blank medical authorization. This can be used to obtain medical records that might not even be relevant to your claim.
Financial documents
Insurance companies also want copies of your tax returns and Social Security earnings record. These documents will show if you are working at another job. Some insurance companies will request these documents going back years before you got hurt at work.
Video surveillance
It is common for private investigators to follow people and record video. They will sit outside your house and take pictures of your activities. We have seen private investigators lie to medical offices and neighbors just to get some information about your claim. Private investigators have even followed people to our office.
Internet activities
Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter are searched for information that can be used against you. Pictures and comments will be taken out of context. We recommend that you deactivate these services until after the claim is resolved.
Call (855) 221-2667 to speak with one of our Michigan workers compensation lawyers. We can make sure that your legal rights are protected. Don’t let the insurance company abuse your privacy.
– Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. Hes been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.
Related information:
Video: Injured at work? Advice from a Michigan workers comp lawyer
– Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by potzuyoko.
