What to Expect During a Tampa Workers’ Comp Investigation

Insurance companies may investigate Tampa workers’ comp claims in various ways. Common strategies include the use of private detectives, social media surveillance, obtaining statements, testing your blood, and even carrying out autopsies. The most obvious way to prepare for an investigation is to consult with an attorney.

Investigations Depend on the Nature of Your Claim 

Generally speaking, investigatory tactics depend on the nature of your claim. If your claim is for a minor injury and you aren’t facing excessive lost wages or medical bills, insurers probably won’t bother to investigate you much, if at all. From an insurer’s point of view, it doesn’t make sense to spend thousands of dollars investigating a claim if its underlying value is low. For claims worth hundreds of thousands, on the other hand, a relatively expensive investigation might be well worth the effort.

The Insurer Might Hire Private Detectives

An insurer might hire private detectives to investigate your claim. These individuals may be legally allowed to spy on you in places where you have “no expectation of privacy.” These areas might include gyms, swimming pools, beaches, streets, shopping malls, and so on.

If the detective catches you doing something that seems to contradict your claim (such as lifting heavy weights while you are supposed to be recovering from a serious spinal cord injury), this could result in a denied claim. You could even face criminal charges for insurance fraud.

The Insurer Could Monitor Your Social Media Activity 

The digital world is another “public space” in which you might be giving away information to the insurer. There is no law against monitoring your public social media activity, and you could easily post something detrimental to your claim. For example, you might post a short video of yourself dancing when you are supposed to be recovering from severely torn knee ligaments.

The Insurer Can Also Obtain a Blood Sample 

Many workers are surprised when their employers and the workers’ comp insurer ask for a blood sample after an accident. The goal is to determine whether you were intoxicated at the time of the accident, as this is a relatively straightforward way to deny your claim.

It is often completely legal to obtain your blood sample in this way, and you may have relatively little say in the matter. However, certain substances (such as marijuana) remain in your system for weeks after initial consumption, and a positive test result does not necessarily show that you were intoxicated at the time of your workplace accident.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tampa Help Me? 

If you’re concerned about insurers investigating you, consult with an experienced Tampa workers’ comp lawyer immediately. These legal professionals can help you understand how to shield yourself against investigatory tactics. If you are already facing a denied claim because of an investigation, your lawyer may be able to help you push back and obtain compensation. Learn more by contacting The Franco Law Firm today.

Source:

 myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/