Wade Coye's Blog
Desperate Times for Employees Become Profit Opportunities for Insurance Companies
We’ve all been sick or injured at one point or [...]
Regulating the Regulators
The “Great Recession” that started three years [...]
Emerging Technologies within Traditional Systems: Video Conferences
It is so easy to communicate in today’s world. [...]
Dan Smith's Blog
The Bench is a Boundary
At a recent Social Security Disability hearing, I was [...]
Insurance Companies Protecting Themselves: Florida’s Non-joinder Statute
During a recent case, I had to explain to a client why we [...]
Social Networks as a Legal Tool
People use social networks every day. Their activities, [...]
Recent Updates:
Surveillance FAQs
Surveillance in Workers' Compensation ♦ Surveillance in Personal Injury ♦ FAQs about Surveillance
Q: What kind of people do private investigation?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many private investigators have professional experience in law enforcement, insurance, or administrative work. A private investigator generally has an employment background in their specialty. Many investigators have college degrees and all are required to be licensed by the state.
Q: What agencies request surveillance?
A: If a claim is suspicious, the people who pay benefits will investigate. In Florida workers compensation cases, this means the Florida Dept. of Financial Services. This government agency takes fraud very seriously, like in this article. Personal injury cases may involve an individual or a business. In either case, their lawyer may request a private investigation take place.
Q: What can I do to protect my children and family if I'm under surveillance?
A: Surveillance in these cases shouldn't be intense. It isn't used in every case. If you fear for your family's safety, then something is going wrong in the investigation. You may have a claim against the investigator if their behavior has emotionally or physically hurt your loved ones. Contact our offices today.
Q: Can a private investigator come onto my property during surveillance?
A: The investigator is subject to all laws that govern a civilian's behavior. Therefore, if they are caught on your property, you can call the police to have them removed. Speak with your attorney at the Coye Law Firm to determine specific behaviors that a private investigator can not engage in. You are entitled to a certain amount of privacy.
Q: How long does surveillance last?
A: Insurance companies may request surveillance be done for just a short time, if in that time the investigator can get a picture to hurt a case. If you are under surveillance, and truly hurt, then an investigator may determine that your case is not fraudulent and it isn't necessary to keep observing you.
Q: Is this going to hurt my case even if I'm badly injured?
A: Surveillance will only hurt your case if you explicitly ignore your doctor's orders. If they say not to bend or lift, do not bend or lift. Of course there are situations in which it is necessary, such as getting the paper from the driveway in the morning. A private investigator may take pictures of these light activities, but it is ultimately up to a judge to determine if you are still eligible for compensation. An experienced lawyer at the Coye Law Firm can give you advice on what to do if you are under surveillance.
Q: My sister said she noticed a car parked outside of her house for some time. Is it possible that a private investigator is putting my extended family under surveillance?
A: This is very rare. Surveillance is done on a personal injury or workers' compensation claim with good reason. If insurance companies suspect a person is lying, they pursue surveillance. Investigators generally can uncover the evidence they need by only surveilling the claimant.
Q: I was instructed to use a cane for about 6 weeks while my knee heals up from a fall. I don't like to use it, and I think I can manage to get around without it. Do I need to keep using the cane?
A: This is a very important thing to consider if your case is ongoing. If a private investigator takes a picture of you walking around without a cane or other assistive device prescribed to you, your case can be hurt. The judge decides if it affects your benefits, but it is best to stick to the doctor's orders and use the cane in this situation.
