Workplace accidents are common in many different industries. If you are filing a claim to seek financial compensation, you need to understand the potential impact that security camera footage could have on your case. Depending on the nature of the accident, surveillance recordings could either help or hurt your injury claim. Surveillance videos are primarily obtained from security cameras, cell phones, and private investigators. En español
If you were injured at work, surveillance footage could bolster your case. Security cameras could prove that your accident occurred at a worksite and demonstrate that unsafe conditions might have contributed to your injury. If a recording is timestamped, you can prove that your claim was filed within the required time frame.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to deny you compensation by using the surveillance footage against you. For example, some health care providers may hire a private investigator to capture evidence of an injured worker performing daily activities to demonstrate that the employee is exaggerating the severity of their injuries. They may also record video to prove that an injured worker is not using a prescribed medical device, like a cane or neck brace. This kind of evidence can be used to reduce the claimant’s damages.
An investigation into your accident is inevitable, but there are actions you can take to protect the legitimacy of your claim:
Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice, take your medicine, and use any equipment they provide. Complying with a medical professional’s guidelines will help you heal and prevent a private insurance investigator from capturing footage that could undermine your claim.
During the investigation, you may be followed by a private investigator. Do not interact with them under any circumstances. The investigator is doing their job, and speaking with them could backfire.
Workers’ compensation cases can be overwhelming. Do not attempt to file a claim or take on an insurance company by yourself – seek the help of an experienced attorney. Skilled attorneys understand these tactics used by health care providers and could help you fight against them. Reach out to us today to discuss your options.
