Investigating an Employee Faking Injury From the Workplace
You wake up one morning, slurping your piping hot coffee, only to find an email lodged in your inbox about a workplace injury; the shock jolts you more than your caffeine fix!
Now, worker’s compensation fraud isn’t as common as rain in April, but let’s face it, it isn’t a unicorn either. If you find yourself wondering if an employee could be playing a fast one by faking injury, here’s your handy guide on the next steps to take.
Start With Understanding Worker’s Compensation
Alright, before you go all Sherlock Holmes on your employee, you should grasp the ins and outs of worker’s compensation. This isn’t just about filling out forms; it’s about knowing how it works, what it covers, and why it matters.
Workers’ compensation is there to protect employees when they get injured on the job. It helps cover their medical expenses and lost wages. But on the flip side, it’s also susceptible to misuse. Knowing this sets the stage for your workers’ comp investigation.
Launching a Workers Comp Investigation
So, how do you begin your workers’ comp investigation? The first step: Stay calm. Remember, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, even in the world of workplace injuries.
Next, you gather facts. Review the accident report; ask for witness statements.
Also, check for any CCTV footage that might show the incident. Did your employee perform a daring stunt before getting injured?
Or were they simply stocking shelves in a usually safe area? Every little detail matters.
The Truth Detector: Spotting Workers Comp Fraud
Now comes the nitty-gritty: workers comp fraud detection. Like any good detective, you must look for inconsistencies.
Does the employee’s account of the incident match the witnesses’ statements or the video footage? Is the severity of the injury in line with the nature of the accident?
If things are starting to smell fishier than a seafood market, then you might be dealing with a case of workers comp fraud.
Hiring a Private Investigator
In some cases, the truth might not be apparent from your initial investigation. You might need to pull in a professional: a private investigator.
With their expertise and resources, they can dig deeper. They can follow up on leads, check the employee’s activities outside of work, and gather evidence that can confirm or debunk your suspicions. Just remember: a private investigator is not your personal vengeance machine; their job is to uncover the truth, not to prove your point.
Faking Injury: Wrapping Up the Investigation
After all the facts have been gathered and the dust has settled, it’s time to make a decision. If your suspicions of an employee faking injury were unfounded, it’s your job to ensure they get the support they need for a quick recovery.
If they were validated, however, then it’s time to take appropriate action. This might mean contacting law enforcement or your worker’s comp insurance provider.
At Najar Investigations, we always get results with our private investigation efforts. Here you can contact us to discuss your suspicions regarding a potential fake injury.
