Warning about insurance companies using drones to spy on individuals looking for reasons to dispute workers’ comp benefits.
Our job as workers’ comp lawyers is to protect individuals hurt at work. We educate them about potential legal issues and explain how they can avoid future problems. It is important to stay ahead of insurance companies because they look for any excuse to dispute workers’ comp benefits. This includes using private investigators to spy on people. We have even heard of insurance companies using drones to get overhead photographs.
Private investigators are routinely hired to perform surveillance and activity checks. Insurance companies want to find proof that a workers’ comp claim is not 100% legitimate. Social media posts are often taken out of context and used as a defense in court.
Who would have thought that insurance companies would be using drones to spy and take pictures? Welcome to the year 2021! New technology is being employed to investigate workers’ comp claims. We believe this is a shockingly bad development and a huge invasion of privacy. Here are some suggestions on staying safe from insurance company prying eyes.
Be aware of your surroundings
We tell our clients to refrain from activities that are inconsistent with work restrictions. Even innocent activities like grocery shopping, walking the block, using the gym, or cutting the lawn can be used against a person. Have friends and relatives help with chores while the workers’ comp case is pending. Close window blinds and make sure the garage door is always shut. Private investigators are watching! Insurance companies are using drones and other technology to watch people? You better believe it!
Keep your business private
Do not discuss private issues with friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Ignore strange telephone calls asking for personal information. We have seen private investigators lie to other people to find out personal business. Your neighbors may be interviewed about comings and goings under false pretenses. We have seen private investigators lie to doctor’s offices to get information about medical treatment and restrictions.
Deactivate social media accounts
Some insurance adjusters don’t even bother to hire private investigators to perform activity checks. Why would Insurance companies be using drones when everything is already posted on the Internet. Social media accounts will be scoured for any incriminating pictures, videos, or comments. Snap decisions will be made about paying wage loss and medical treatment just based upon what is posted.
We recommend deactivating social media accounts until after the workers’ comp claim is resolved. Don’t rely on privacy settings as these can be easily manipulated. For example, friends of friends can see what you post on Facebook. A private investigator could trick a friend into granting access to their page allowing access to everything you have posted on your page.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
5 Reasons A Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied: Here Is What To Know
