When you’re pursuing a disability claim, insurance companies may resort to surveillance to verify the legitimacy of your claim. This tactic, while stressful and sometimes intrusive, is legal and often used to gather evidence that may discredit your claim. Here are some essential tips for handling surveillance by insurance companies, ensuring you protect your rights and maintain the integrity of your claim.

Understand Why Surveillance Happens

Insurance companies conduct surveillance to:

• Verify the extent of your disability.
• Detect any inconsistencies in your claim.
• Find evidence of activities that contradict your reported limitations.

Awareness of these motivations can help you stay vigilant and compliant with your claim.

Stay Consistent with Your Statements

One of the key ways to protect yourself from surveillance tactics is by being consistent in your statements about your disability. Ensure that:

• Your activities align with the limitations you’ve reported.
• You communicate the same details to doctors, attorneys, and insurance companies.
• Any changes in your condition are promptly reported and documented.

Consistency is crucial because discrepancies can be used to challenge your credibility.

Follow Medical Advice

Always adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and treatment plans. Insurance companies may look for evidence that you are not following prescribed treatments, which could suggest that your disability is not as severe as claimed. To avoid this:

• Attend all medical appointments.
• Follow through with prescribed therapies and medications.
• Keep detailed records of your treatments and doctor visits.

Documenting your adherence to medical advice strengthens your case and counters any claims of non-compliance.

Be Mindful of Your Public Activities

Surveillance often involves observing your activities in public places. To ensure your actions do not contradict your claim:

• Avoid engaging in activities that exceed your reported limitations, even if you feel temporarily better.
• Be cautious about discussing your disability in public settings where conversations can be overheard or recorded.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and look out for unusual vehicles or individuals who may be observing you.

Your public behavior should consistently reflect the limitations you’ve reported in your claim.

Use Social Media Cautiously

Social media is a common surveillance tool for insurance companies. They may monitor your posts, photos, and interactions to find evidence that contradicts your disability claim. To protect yourself:

• Set your profiles to private, allowing only trusted individuals to view your content.
• Avoid posting about physical activities, travel, or other potentially questionable behaviors.
• Be cautious about accepting new friend requests or connections, as they could be from insurance investigators.

Remember, even seemingly innocuous posts can be misinterpreted or taken out of context.

Consult Your Attorney

Navigating surveillance by insurance companies can be complex and stressful. Your attorney can provide valuable guidance and support, ensuring you handle the situation appropriately. They can:

• Advise you on how to maintain consistency and protect your privacy.
• Help you understand your rights regarding surveillance.
• Represent you in any disputes arising from surveillance activities.

Regular communication with your attorney ensures you are well-prepared to counter any challenges to your claim.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all interactions with the insurance company, medical appointments, and any suspicious activities you notice. This documentation can be crucial in defending against surveillance tactics:

• Maintain a journal of your daily activities, noting any limitations or pain experienced.
• Record the dates and details of any unusual or suspicious observations.
• Save copies of all correspondence with the insurance company.

Thorough documentation supports your claim and provides evidence if disputes arise.

While surveillance by insurance companies can be intimidating, understanding their tactics and following these tips can help you manage the situation effectively. By staying consistent, following medical advice, being cautious in public and online, consulting your attorney, and documenting everything, you can protect your rights and strengthen your disability claim. Remember, your attorney is your ally in navigating these challenges, ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.

Contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson Today

If you’re facing surveillance or challenges with your disability insurance claim in Philadelphia, don’t go it alone. Contact our experienced disability insurance lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll fight for your rights and help you secure the benefits you deserve. Call now to get started.