Warning about private investigators hired by workers’ comp 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. Some frequently asked questions clients ask us are, can private investigators hired by workers’ comp insurance companies in Michigan tap your phone and can they follow 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. Below are a list of frequently asked questions along with answers in regards to private investigators spying on employees and Michigan workers’ comp.
Can insurance companies hire private investigators to follow individuals on workers’ comp in Michigan?
Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow individuals on workers’ comp. They are looking for anything that can be used to dispute a claim. Tapping your phone involves state and federal laws that go way beyond the scope of workers’ comp in Michigan. Legal or not, a person should assume they are under surveillance.
Can workers’ comp tap your phone in Michigan?
In Michigan, private investigators hired by workers’ comp insurance companies can tap your phone but it is important to know that illegally obtained evidence can be challenged in court. It might also give rise to a separate cause of action against the insurance company. 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 in Michigan?
Though it may not be in workers’ comp insurance companies best interest to hire private investigators to tap your phone in Michigan, it is common for employees who are hurt on-the-job to be routinely followed by private investigators. The reason is to discredit people and stop payment of workers’ comp 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?
Though workers’ comp may be unlikely to tap your phone in Michigan, we have seen claims adjusters make decisions about paying work injury claims 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 identity and intentions.
Have more questions about workers’ comp insurance companies hiring private investigators to spy on you or tap your phone in Michigan? Call our attorneys now
If you were injured on the job in Michigan and you have questions about workers’ comp insurance companies hiring private investigators to tap your phone or to follow you around, call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Our attorneys are here for you to make sure your legal rights are protected and to get you the best recovery possible.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan work injury laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. 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.
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) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
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