As private investigators, there are certain types of cases that we find ourselves investigating again and again. At the top of our list for common investigations, are personal injury claims. These are frequently investigated, as certain injuries are easily faked, difficult to disprove medically and can provide significant pay-offs for those individuals committing the fraud.
We work with employers, insurance companies and compensation representatives, when there is doubt as to the authenticity of a claimant's injuries. Our job is to track the claimant without their knowledge, observe them for any signs that contradict their claim and collect evidence to support our observations. This information is then used by our clients to seek legal justice against the fraud. Here is a short list of common injuries that are easily faked and difficult to prove medically.
Soft Tissue Damage
This is a classic injury and all too common amongst those wanting a bit of time off from work, while still being paid, or looking for a bit of a Christmas bonus after a mild fender-bender. Soft tissue damage is easily faked, as there is a wide range of body parts that could be affected and any damage is internal, difficult to identify visually and not easily detected using x-rays or MRI scans.
Fake Back Injuries
Related to soft tissue damage, back, neck and spinal cord injuries are internal and difficult to assess. Relying on symptoms described by the patient, back injuries are often associated with whip lash and when real can cause enormous pain. This type of injury can be quite serious, and as a result is easily faked and exploited by fraudsters.
Fake Knee Injuries
It's not uncommon for someone to borrow crouches, strap on a bandage and hobble around, grimacing, in order to get some attention. Fake knee injuries are a great way to get out of a few weeks of work, and if associated with an activity covered by insurance or workers compensation, become a great way to make some money while at it. As with many fake injuries, knee problems are largely internal and don't always have visible exterior symptoms. A bit of research on the internet and almost anyone can learn to react just the right way during an examination.
Fake Head Injuries
Migraines, dizziness, anxiety, abnormal tiredness and memory loss are all typical symptoms of a head injury, which can be easily faked by anyone with moderate acting skills. Although head injuries can be assessed to some degree and certain symptoms can be ruled out as fake with different techniques, they are still easy to fake and can be used as a way to gain undue compensation. Additional detective work from a qualified investigator will help remove any doubt, if the claimant's integrity is questionable.
Conclusion
The best way to verify the validity of a claimant's injury is to observe them in their day to day routine, when they are not in the presence of those that are being defrauded. A good, experienced private investigator will know how to monitor and track the individual, undetected, and use the necessary technology to record their behaviors. It is not uncommon for those with injuries to spend their supposed recovery time indulging in strenuous activities that they clearly should not be able to manage.
Our firm will use video surveillance and photography to capture hard evidence of the claimant behaving in such a way that directly contradicts the injuries they have filed for or if they are legitimately injured. If you suspect you are being defrauded by a claimant, please contact us today so we can help you uncover the truth.