Once you file your workers’ compensation claim, you can expect that the insurance company handling your claim will begin gathering background information about you. In fact, they can learn quite a bit about you without ever having to contact you. Insurance companies generally conduct these types of investigations to expose any falsities, inaccuracies, or contradictory information to prevent fraudulent claims. This is why it is crucial to be honest throughout this entire process. If any information you provide is incorrect, even if you have a valid claim, it could jeopardize your chances of securing workers’ compensation benefits.
Gathering Information
The first thing the insurance company will do is contact your employer to obtain witness statements from your supervisors and your co-workers. Additionally, they will obtain a copy of your personnel file. Generally, the witness statements that are provided will give them a better idea of how you sustained your injury as well as information regarding your job duty and even your personal life. Chances are that, even if you are not close friends with your co-workers, you probably still talk about life, including your family and any hobbies you might enjoy. Therefore, you can expect the insurance company to learn about these details.
As for your personnel file, it will provide some basic information, such as your address, emergency contact information, information about your health insurance, and even your resume or job application. It will also likely contain information regarding your attendance at work and as well as wage information.
Of course, the insurance company will not rely solely on your employer in their pursuit of information. Most insurance companies subscribe to an index service and, through this index, they will be able to investigate if you have been involved in any motor vehicle accidents and find out about any property claims you might have.
Lastly, the insurance company will turn to one of the richest sources of information around – the internet. If you partake in social media and have accounts on different platforms, you can expect that they will scour through your profiles for information. Below is a list of some of the information an insurance company can gather from the internet:
- Pictures: If you are the sort of person who frequently shares pictures on social media, you are also providing a wealth of information that an insurance company might not have otherwise been able to have access too. If any of the images you post somehow contradict your claims or can be misinterpreted, this could jeopardize your claim.
- People: Your friends or followers on social media will also help an insurance company learn more about who you spend time with and who you are friends with at work. This will provide better guidance on who they should interview regarding your activities.
- Hobbies: Did you post about how you enjoy partaking in a softball league or other physically demanding activities? If so, you can expect the insurance company to find out about it. They might even try to attend a game to obtain a video of you engaging in these activities, effectively making you seem dishonest.
- Timeline: Your posts on social media have a timestamp and, therefore, provide an excellent timeline for insurance companies. For example, if you were to call out sick due to your work injury, but pictures you posted on social media show that you were at a party that day, your claim will be irreparably damaged.
Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Santa Ana
If you suffered an injury as a result of your job duties or work environment, you need to pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you rightfully deserve. At Ufkes & Bright in Santa Ana, we have been helping injured workers for more than 50 years and are backed by a proven track record of success. With us, you will receive the personalized attention you need to achieve the results that will help you throughout this difficult time.
For exceptional legal representation, contact us at (714) 909-2609 to request your free initial case evaluation.