Once you have filed your workers’ compensation claim, your employer’s insurance company will begin obtaining information about you. A surprising amount of information can be gathered about you without them ever having to reach out to you. However, if they do ask you any questions, remember that it is crucial to provide accurate information. False, inaccurate, or contradictory information to a workers’ compensation judge, defense attorney, claims administrator, or even a medical provider can compromise the outcome of your case and ability to receive this crucial benefits.

How the Insurance Company Gathers Information

One of the first things an insurance company will do in the information-gathering process is to contact your employer. If there are witness statements available from your supervisors or co-workers, they will obtain these, in addition to a copy of your personnel file. The information they glean from witness statements will shed some light on your job duties as well as information regarding your personal life, including hobbies you might partake in, outside activities, and your family life.

Your personnel file will also have a lot to offer. In addition to providing basic information, such as your address, emergency contact information, and information about your spouse and children, it will also contain information about your health insurance, and possibly your resume and job application. Having access to your resume and job application means the insurance company could also learn about your education and former employment. Your personnel file will also provide information about your work attendance and incidents of absenteeism.

Next, the insurance company will likely conduct an index search. This done through a large database where insurance companies share information relating to claims they have handled. They will also investigate your involvement in any motor vehicle accidents by checking the claims by name, plate number, or vehicle identification number (VIN). All of your personal information, such as your social security number, tax ID number, and driver’s license number, will be used in this database search as well.

Lastly, the insurance company will turn to the internet to find out more information about you. Much of this information will come from your involvement in social media. Some of the information insurance companies are frequently able to obtain through an internet search includes:

• Pictures: Many individuals who use social media frequently post pictures. An insurance company will hire private investigators to scour social media sites looking for pictures that might contradict your claim. Make sure you refrain from posting pictures during this time and ask that your friends and family do not post photos or tag you in any photos.

• Address: Through this search, an insurance company can easily verify if your residential address is accurate or up to date. This might also be discoverable through pictures, if pictures of your current residence do not match the residence listed in your personnel file.

• People: Through your social media accounts, an insurance company can likely find out the names of people who are you are friends with at work, which can point them in the right direction who they can interview.

• Hobbies: It might not sound like a big deal, but knowing your hobbies could be a vital part of information-gathering for an insurance company. What your hobbies are can tell them what kind of activities you engage in. They will likely try to catch you partaking in those hobbies to prove that you are not as injured as you claim to be, so always heed your doctor’s advice and do not attempt to perform any of your usual hobbies while you are recovering. The insurance company will discover your activities and it could jeopardize your entire case.

• Activities: People share everything on social media. From concerts and parties, to dinners and vacations, we are always trying to gab to friends online about all of the fun activities we are part of. However, if you do this during a workers’ compensation claim, the results could be devastating.

• Timelines: Social media can also easily construct timelines for an insurance company. For example, if you claimed to be sick on a Monday due to your work injury, but pictures on social media reveal you having a good time at a party, this will obviously harm your case.

Remember, once you file a workers’ compensation claim, your employer’s insurance company is going to put a lot of effort into learning everything they can about you, so conduct yourself appropriately.

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Orange County

If you were injured while at work, you could be entitled to crucial workers’ compensation. To ensure you have the best possible chance of obtaining these critical benefits, you will need to hire an Orange County workers’ compensation attorney. At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., our team of attorneys has over 30 years of experience in representing injured workers. Call us today!

For the skilled representation you deserve and the results you need, contact our office today at (800) 980-6905 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.