Handling Cases Involving "Red Flags" As Viewed By Insurance Companies
If the workers' compensation insurance carrier discovers one or more "red flags," it may hire an investigator. He or she will probably do a "neighborhood check" and may also put you under surveillance.
If you are concerned about potential red flags, turn to the Law Office of Stephen L. Weiss. We are committed to helping clients understand their rights after experiencing an injury on the job. Contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney today to further discuss your specific case and any issues that concern you regarding "red flags."
When a "red flag" is found, the carrier may promptly schedule a so-called "independent medical examination" (IME) with a doctor of its choosing. It will also select a doctor who no longer has an active medical practice but earns a substantial income examining injured workers for insurance companies.
Types of Red Flags
Examples of "red flags," which may be significant, but usually are inconsequential, are:
- You delayed reporting the injury.
- There were no witnesses to your injury.
- The injury was reported on a Monday (with the inference being that the injury happened over the weekend).
- You were recently hired.
- You participate in sports outside of work.
- You have had prior injuries which resulted in time off work.
- Your close friends or relatives have filed workers' compensation claims in the past which have resulted in payment of compensation
- While off work as a result of a workers' compensation claim, you frequently cannot be contacted by telephone at your home number.
- You are subject to an imminent or suspected termination or layoff.
- You are seeking medical treatment from a physician with a reputation of questionable diagnosis and treatment practices.
- You miss physician visits and/or physical therapy sessions.
- You change medical providers, particularly if your initial physician released you to return to work.
- You have had numerous prior employers.
- Your spouse is not working and is receiving workers' compensation benefits, Social Security disability payments, welfare or unemployment compensation.
- You are nearing retirement age.
- Your medical treatment changes from one body part to another after you have been treated for a while.
- Your injury related to a pre-existing medical condition or health problem.
If one or more of these apply to you, you should be aware that an investigator may be canvassing your neighbors, staking out your home and following you around. Also, do not be surprised if the insurance carrier schedules you for an "independent medical examination."
Contact us so we can learn more about your case to determine if you require legal assistance and to see if we can help you.
Law Office of Stephen L. Weiss
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