When an employee files for workers’ compensation, employers and insurance companies have the right to verify that the claim is legitimate. In some cases, this means hiring a private investigator to conduct surveillance.

But what does that really look like — and is it even legal?

As licensed Michigan PIs, we’re often brought in to discreetly observe claimants and document whether their reported injuries match their real-life activities. Here’s how the process works, step-by-step.

Why Workers’ Comp Surveillance Happens

Surveillance helps verify the legitimacy of a workers’ comp claim by:

• Identifying exaggerated or false injury claims
• Protecting employers from fraud
• Providing evidence for legal or insurance proceedings

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), workers’ comp fraud costs billions each year — and surveillance is a legal way to fight back.

What a Private Investigator Actually Does

🎯 Step 1: Case Review and Planning

We start by reviewing the claim details, including:

• Nature of the injury
• Claimed limitations (e.g., can’t lift, can’t drive)
• Reported timeline and medical documentation

This allows us to create a tailored surveillance plan.

🚗 Step 2: Surveillance Setup

Surveillance may involve:

• Discreet mobile or static observation near the claimant’s home, workplace, or public locations
• Long lens photography or video
• Tracking movement patterns over several days

We never trespass or violate privacy laws — all activity must occur in public view or be legally obtained.

📸 Step 3: Documentation & Evidence

If the subject is seen:

• Mowing the lawn while claiming a back injury
• Playing sports while claiming a knee injury
• Moving large objects while claiming restricted mobility

…we record it. Photos and videos are timestamped, geo-tagged, and fully documented in a legal report.

🧾 Step 4: Reporting and Testimony

At the end of the investigation, we provide:

• A detailed written report
• Photographic or video evidence
• Courtroom testimony if needed

This documentation can be used by the employer, insurer, or attorney to defend against fraudulent claims.

Is Workers’ Comp Surveillance Legal?

Yes — when done correctly. Licensed private investigators operate within the law and follow strict guidelines. What’s not legal?

• Filming inside someone’s home
• GPS tracking without consent
• Hacking phones or accounts

NOLO, a trusted legal resource, confirms that as long as the subject is in public view, surveillance is fair game.

When Employers in Michigan Should Consider Surveillance

Surveillance may be warranted when:

• The employee’s story doesn’t match medical records
• Witnesses report suspicious activity
• Claims are unusually high or repeated

We serve employers, insurance providers, and attorneys throughout Michigan — especially in rural and small-town areas where privacy is harder to fake.

Surveillance Isn’t About “Gotcha” — It’s About the Truth

A legitimate injury deserves support. But when fraud is suspected, businesses have a right to protect themselves. Surveillance is a powerful, legal, and effective tool to uncover the truth — and ensure that benefits go to those who truly need them.

If you are looking for an experienced private investigator to help you with workers compensation surveillance then contact us for a 100% confidential consultation! 4 Directions Investigations is a licensed private investigator in Michigan and a member of the Michigan Council of Professional Investigators with specialized training in photography, surveillance, research, and background investigations.