If you suffered an on-the-job injury in Georgia, you're likely eligible for workers' compensation benefits, which can include medical treatment, income benefits, and 
vocational rehabilitation. Unfortunately, some workers' comp insurers use tactics that can make it difficult to obtain the benefits you deserve. Here's what you need to know.
After you report your workplace injury to your employer, they'll should notify their workers' compensation insurer, who will open an investigation into your claim. Georgia workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system, so the purpose of this investigation isn't to find out whether you're responsible for your injury but, rather, to find a way to reduce their financial obligation to you. To that end, insurance companies often hire private investigators to follow injured employees, talk to their neighbors, and comb through their social media profiles. Here's what you can do to protect your right to benefits.
Just Assume You're Being Followed at All Times and Behave Accordingly
This means being mindful not to do anything that could call your injury into question. For example, if you hurt your back at work and can't lift more than 15 pounds, you don't want a private investigator to photograph you lifting a 20-pound bag of dog food—even if you were the only one there to do it, it was only for a second, etc. The insurer can then use that surveillance video to undermine your workers' comp claim.
It's especially important to be mindful of what you post on social media—as well as what others post about you. For example, if you're injured, you don't want an investigator to see you post a photo of you doing cartwheels or participating in a dance competition, even if the photos are older and were taken before your injury. Insurers can find a way to misconstrue even the most innocent information. Set your profiles to private and, if possible, consider suspending them until your workers' comp claim is resolved.
Skilled Representation for Injured Workers
Don't let sneaky insurance company spy tactics threaten to cheat you out of the workers' comp benefits you're owed. At Rechtman and Spevak, our experienced and highly-skilled attorneys can help you protect your right to benefits. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
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