How Insurers Use Surveillance To Deny or Dispute Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Claims
On-the-job injuries in Harrisburg can cause serious financial hardships, but workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your costs. Unfortunately, insurance companies look for ways to deny or dispute claims, and surveillance is a common tactic they employ.
Whether it involves monitoring your behavior at home, recreational activities, or social media accounts, information obtained via surveillance could result in lost benefits. Our experienced Harrisburg workers’ comp claim lawyer explains common types of surveillance methods and how to protect your benefits.
Common Types of Surveillance in Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Cases
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits cover medical care and reimburse portions of lost income when on-the-job injuries occur in Harrisburg. However, these benefits are paid through insurance companies, which have a financial interest in denying and disputing claims.
One way insurers do this is by hiring investigators to monitor claimants and look for evidence that contradicts the reported injury or disability level. This kind of surveillance is legal in Pennsylvania and occurs more often than most claimants realize. Common surveillance methods used by insurers in Harrisburg workers’ compensation cases include:
- Conducting background checks and reviewing any prior accident or injury history.
- Interviewing your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or others and twisting their statements.
- Recording you in public places, including parking lots, parks, and storefronts.
- Monitoring your social media accounts for photos, videos, or activity that contradicts reported limitations.
- Reviewing location data from public posts or tagged photos.
Insurers can use surveillance footage or social media content to dispute the severity of your injuries and reduce or deny your benefits. Unfortunately, even seemingly innocent activities, such as carrying groceries, performing household tasks, or attending a family event, can be taken out of context.
How to Protect Yourself Against Insurer Surveillance Tactics
Under the PA Workers’ Compensation Act, insurers have every right to investigate claims, which includes using various surveillance methods. To protect yourself and your rights in a Harrisburg workers’ compensation claim, take these precautions:
- Visit your doctor regularly, report all symptoms, follow their recommendation, and adhere to all work and activity restrictions.
- Avoid discussing your injuries or the status of your claim with acquaintances, neighbors, or co-workers.
- Set social media accounts to private, restrict tagging in posts or photos, and avoid sharing your location or activities.
- Get legal help immediately if you notice someone watching or photographing you.
While insurers have the right to conduct surveillance in Harrisburg workers’ compensation claims, employee privacy laws still apply. Investigators are prohibited from trespassing, recording you in your home or other private places, harassing you, or making audio recordings without your consent.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Insurance companies look for ways to dispute or deny Harrisburg workers’ compensation tactics, and surveillance is a tactic they frequently employ. To protect your rights to benefits, contact Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. Our experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer provides the trusted legal representation you need when dealing with these companies and fights to get you the maximum amount you deserve. Reach out and request a consultation today.
Sources:
pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/workers-compensation
legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1915/0/0338..PDF
