Approximately 5 million employees file workers’ comp claims annually, and those claims individually average $41,000. Hiring a private investigator to investigate workers’ compensation claims can provide several benefits for employers and insurance companies. But what are some reasons why you might consider hiring a private investigator for this purpose?

Uncover Fraudulent Claims

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation fraud is a significant issue that costs businesses and insurers a significant amount of money each year. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, workers’ injuries can cost a business over $100,000 per year. Private investigators are skilled at gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and interviewing witnesses, which can help uncover fraudulent claims. By identifying fraudulent claims early on, you can save your organization from unnecessary expenses and deter others from attempting to defraud the system.

Ensure the Legitimacy of Claims

While not all workers’ compensation claims are fraudulent, hiring a private investigator can help determine the legitimacy of a claim. Investigators can collect evidence, review medical records, interview witnesses, and provide an unbiased assessment of the claim’s validity. This can prevent you from paying out on baseless or exaggerated claims and ensure that the benefits go to those who genuinely deserve them. Note: only up to 6% of claims are found to be fraudulent, but that can still cause financial issues for your business. 

Mitigate Risk and Liability

Conducting a thorough investigation of workers’ compensation claims can help you mitigate risk and limit potential liability. Private investigators can identify any factors contributing to future accidents or injuries as well, such as unsafe working conditions, policy violations, or negligence. By addressing these issues promptly, you can reduce the likelihood of further incidents and protect your organization from potential lawsuits. 

Gather Evidence for Legal Proceedings

In cases where workers’ compensation claims lead to litigation, private investigators can play a crucial role in gathering evidence and building a strong defense. Their expertise in collecting information, conducting background checks, and interviewing witnesses can provide valuable support to legal teams. By having a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding a claim, you can better prepare your case and potentially achieve more favorable outcomes in court. This, of course, would also result in financial benefits and a safer reputation for your company. 

Save Time and Resources

Conducting thorough investigations can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Outsourcing this task to a private investigator allows you to free up your internal resources to focus on core business operations. Private investigators are experienced professionals who know how to efficiently gather information, follow leads, and compile comprehensive reports, saving you time and effort.

It’s important to note that when hiring a private investigator, you should ensure that they operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to ethical standards. Additionally, consult with legal professionals to ensure that the investigation process aligns with applicable regulations and requirements in your jurisdiction. Be sure to contact us when you’re ready to hire a private investigator and avoid internal headaches for your hiring, managerial, or HR team.