Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Explains Common Mistakes in North Carolina Comp Claims:
Surveillance is not just for spies or police officers on a stake out. In fact, one of the insurance company’s most common strategies is to use surveillance footage and photographs, sometimes out of context, to show that the worker is not as injured as they say they are. Our Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyers explain that most common mistakes clients make in North Carolina workers’ comp claims.
Mistake #1: Claiming Worse Injuries Than You Have
Be aware that once you have filed a claim, the insurance company will do whatever it can to limit what it has to pay you, including videotaping you. The important thing for an injured worker to remember is that you don’t want to give an insurance company an excuse to deny your claim or reduce your benefits. So you don’t want to exaggerate your claim or injuries and you also don’t want to be seen engaging in physical activity or sports that create the impression that you aren’t injured.
Mistake #2: Social Media
Don’t post any photos or videos of yourself on social media that could be used against you with your doctor or with the Industrial Commission. Before they stake out a workers’ house, private investigators almost always do a social media search to learn more about the worker and download any available photographs or video. Innocent posts about “feeling good” or that show you at the beach can be taken out-of-context to argue that you aren’t really injured.
Mistake #3: Not Following Your Doctor’s Orders (Even When No One is Around)
Private investigators are professionals and are good at their jobs. Their livelihoods depend on their ability to blend in and not be seen while they are observing you. Following any and all doctors’ restrictions, even when you are in the privacy of your own home or on your own property, is crucial to maintaining your workers’ compensation claim.
Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Raleigh, NC can help you determine whether the insurance company has already undertaken surveillance on you and, if so, evaluate what impact their footage may have your claim.
Learn more about workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Near You
If you were injured at work or in a workplace accident, contact our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Raleigh, North Carolina for a free consultation. We help workers all across North Carolina. We can help you and your family recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future disability. Our attorneys have experience in these cases to help ensure that you recover the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve for your injuries.