Warning about private investigators and some easy ways to protect yourself from the prying eyes of insurance companies.
Private investigators are routinely hired to conduct video surveillance, perform activity checks, and review social media posts of individuals who are claiming workers’ comp. Insurance companies want to find some proof that a claim is not 100% legitimate. Evidence obtained is often taken out of context and used to dispute medical and/or wage loss benefits. We often get questions from clients like can private investigators hired by Michigan workers’ comp insurance companies tap your phone? What about following you around town? Here are some ways to protect yourself from prying eyes.
How far will an insurance company go to investigate an individual? We have seen private investigators follow people into medical appointments, install GPS trackers on their cars, take photographs/movies through windows, lie to neighbors to get personal information about activities, and even impersonate others during telephone calls. But can private investigators hired by Michigan workers’ comp insurance companies tap your phone? This sounds like a silly question, but it calls for a serious answer.
Can workers’ comp tap your phone in Michigan?
Though private investigators hired by Michigan workers’ comp insurance companies may not tap your phone it is important to know that illegally obtained evidence can be challenged in court. Wiretapping involves state and federal laws that go way beyond the scope of workers’ comp. Legal or not, a person should assume they are under surveillance.
Though private investigators can’t tap your phone, insurance companies can still hire private investigators to follow individuals on workers’ comp. They are looking for anything that can be used to dispute a claim. We strongly recommend contacting an experienced attorney should a private investigator do something illegal. Never take matters into your own hands!
What about following a person on workers’ comp?
Though private investigators who are hired by Michigan workers’ comp insurance companies may not tap your phone it is important to know that they can routinely follow you. The reason is to discredit people and stop payment of work injury benefits. Video surveillance is used to record activities and it is legal. It is often taken out-of-content and presented as evidence that a person is a liar.
We tell our clients to go on with their lives but just be careful. Don’t perform any activities that would be inconsistent with restrictions from a doctor. Make sure blinds and garage doors are shut. Never confront a private investigator directly but call the police should they trespass or do some other illegal activity.
How about reviewing posts on social media?
We have seen claims adjusters make decisions about paying workers’ comp based upon social media posts. It is a good idea to shut down any social media accounts until after a claim has been resolved. Evidence obtained can be used against you in court.
Never accept friend requests or messages from people you do not know. Make sure all privacy settings on social media are locked down. Don’t post about vacations, family events, or any other item that could be used against you. Never give information to anyone unless you can verify their identify and intentions.
Have questions Michigan workers’ comp surveillance and them tapping your phone? Call our attorneys now
If you suffered an injury at work in Michigan and have questions about your workers’ comp claim or have questions about illegal surveillance like your phone being tapped, call now (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with one of our experienced workers’ comp lawyers. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from work-related injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every work injury claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
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 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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