Insurance providers use different tactics for denying claims. One of these is to hire private investigators to follow claimants. Being watched by these investigators may feel like a privacy invasion. If you are wondering if what they are doing is right, consult with a personal injury attorney. This legal blog walks you through the legality of this approach and the steps you must take to protect your personal injury claim.
Reasons Insurers Hire Investigators
Usually, insurance providers hire their own investigators to prevent fraud which would result in increased insurance premiums for customers. However, critics claim that insurance companies use surveillance for finding excuses to devalue or deny claims. Through private investigations, an insurance company can find information that it can use against claimants. They can look into your financial and medical background to find information they can use to justify their decision toward your claim.
Legal Limits on Surveillance
While insurers can hire private investigators to have you watched, there are things they cannot do. For instance, it is not legal for these investigators to intimidate you, which means making you feel frightened or fearful because of their actions. These actions include making threats or harassing you.
In addition, private investigators cannot trespass on your property to surveil you. Although a private investigator may observe, photograph, or videotape you while you are outside your home or in another public setting, they can’t do so when you are inside your house. Also, they can only record conversations with you as long as you give consent to it.
Protecting Your Personal Injury Claim
Private investigators stay out of sight as well as look into your background and everyday activities. They will look for anything that the company that hired them can use against you. If you don’t want these investigators to get the information they need, do not post anything on social media. If you have to make a post, ensure it does not discuss your claim or injury. Also, you must not post something that can the insurer can use to question the seriousness of your injuries.
You must listen to the orders of your doctor including your medical treatments and physical limitations. For instance, if they tell you to avoid lifting more than 20 pounds, then follow it. If you don’t take this order seriously, an investigator may find catch you lifting a heavy object outside your house. Not following the instructions of your doctor can ruin your claim and exacerbate your injuries.