Surveillance can be an important investigative tool in the evaluation of workers’ compensation, liability, disability, and other insurance claims—but productive surveillance requires much more than simply placing an investigator in the field.
The strongest surveillance assignments begin with preparation.
Before field activity begins, investigators may review available claim information, reported injuries and restrictions, known addresses, employment information, vehicle information, social media or other legally available intelligence, and previous investigative findings. This helps determine when and where surveillance is most likely to produce information relevant to the claim.
Once in the field, the objective is straightforward: independently document observable activity.
Surveillance may help claims professionals:
• Verify reported physical activity and limitations
• Document movements and activities relevant to claimed restrictions
• Identify potential inconsistencies requiring additional investigation
• Establish patterns of activity over multiple observation periods
• Confirm residence, vehicles, employment, or other relevant information
• Provide time-stamped video and detailed investigative reporting
• Develop additional information that can help guide the direction of a claim investigation
Just as importantly, unsuccessful surveillance can provide useful information. A lack of observable activity may indicate that different surveillance hours, another day of the week, an alternative location, additional background research, or a different investigative strategy should be considered.
Effective surveillance is therefore not simply measured by the number of minutes of video obtained. Its value comes from gathering objective information that can be evaluated alongside medical records, statements, reported restrictions, claim history, and other available evidence.
At Kelley Alliance, our investigators conduct professional claims surveillance throughout Florida with an emphasis on preparation, discretion, lawful evidence collection, detailed documentation, and timely reporting.
Good surveillance doesn’t begin with a conclusion.
It begins with a question—and lets the evidence help provide the answer.
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