Many people receiving long-term disability benefits are surprised to learn that insurance companies often investigate insureds.
Insurers may conduct surveillance or monitor social media in an attempt to challenge disability claims.
Understanding how these investigations work can help protect your claim.
Video Surveillance by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies frequently hire private investigators to conduct surveillance. Investigators may:
- Follow insureds in public
- Record video outside homes
- Film daily activities such as shopping or walking
Surveillance may occur for several days at a time.
Often the footage shows only short snippets of activity, which insurers may use to argue that an insured is capable of working.
How Insurers Misinterpret Activities
Many disability claims involve conditions where a person can perform limited activities but cannot sustain full-time work.
For example:
- Someone with chronic pain may walk short distances but cannot sit or stand for long periods.
- Someone with a mental health disability may appear fine in public but cannot handle workplace stress.
Insurance companies sometimes take activities out of context to justify terminating benefits.
Social Media Monitoring
Insurers frequently review social media accounts such as:
- TikTok
Photos or posts showing activities like travel, exercise, or social events may be used by insurers to argue that an insured is not disabled.
Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted.
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
Insurance companies often require insureds to attend independent medical examinations.
These examinations are conducted by doctors and/or assessors selected by the insurer.
The purpose of the IME is usually to assess whether the insured still meets the definition of disability under the policy.
Tips to Protect Your Disability Claim
If you are receiving disability benefits, it is wise to take precautions:
- Assume that surveillance is possible
- Be cautious about what you post online
- Ensure that your activities are consistent with what you are saying you can and cannot do
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Most importantly, be honest and consistent about your symptoms and limitations.
When Surveillance Leads to a Benefit Termination
Insurance companies sometimes terminate disability benefits based on surveillance evidence.
If this happens, you may have the right to challenge the termination through a lawsuit.
Courts frequently recognize that brief moments of activity do not necessarily prove someone can work full-time.
Don’t hesitate to call me — let’s discuss your options.
1-844-333-0905
