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this
field. Generally, however, we do not handle cause & origin
arson matters or accident construction work, since these are
specialties where we do not feel we have sufficient technical
expertise. We will also admit to having limited experience
with PIP claims and with the growing problems relating to ADA.
It should also be noted here that we do not offer claims adjusting
services, per se.
Other Claim
Investigation Services:
In addition to routine
workers' compensation, long term disability and auto claims field
investigations, we locate missing witnesses and persons involved in
subrogation matters. We look into uninsured and underinsured
motorist claims and conduct inquiries into questionable injury
claims and suspect homeowner losses. We obtain insureds'
statements and other statements, as well as providing scene or
vehicle photographic services. Witness canvasses and other
less usual services may also be conducted on occasion.
Workers Compensation
Claims:
In Michigan, workers
compensation abuse and out-and-out fraud is a serious problem which
provides a negative impact on business, increased consumer costs and
has been the deciding factor for some businesses to eliminate
Michigan as a potential site for new facilities. Most folks
don't realize the theory of worker's compensation originated with
the pirates. The British privateers reasoned that if one of
their mates got an arm lopped off during a sword fight, this would
have an adverse effect on future earnings. A flat rate
one-time compensation benefit was paid, much like the intent of
Michigan's original workers compensation act. Today, however,
some claimants view workers' comp much the way they view so-called
government entitlements. Legislative attempts to put some
logic back in the system by state Senator Mike Rogers have thus far
failed. One union representative, who opposed Senator Rogers'
efforts stated that there has never been a case of workers'
compensation fraud in Michigan. Our experience has shown that
most Workers' compensation claims are legitimate, but many are
exaggerated. If it were not for the system abuse employers'
costs would drop and legitimate claimants could, perhaps, receive
increased benefits more in line with those in other states where
fraud isn't so widespread. We have extensive experience
investigating these claims, and every once in a while, even in
Michigan's liberal climate, our work results in a savings to the
client.
Claim Related
Surveillance:
We routinely conduct
surveillance of claimants who are suspected of fraud or who may be
exaggerating the extent of their alleged impairment. All our
surveillance work is conducted in a legal and traditional manner. We
never use privacy invading techniques such as trespassing or
installing clandestine electronic vehicular trackers which could
subject our clients to civil and possibly criminal exposure.
Dependence on electronic trackers, which are routinely used by some
less professional investigators without the knowledge of their
clients, frequently provides inaccurate, unreliable and misleading
information. For instance, the vehicle of a claimant car
pooling to an unreported job, would likely remain in the claimant's
garage and the report would show no activity. Like most
investigators, we provide video documentation of claimants'
activities, when appropriate, and in the interest of discretion, use
an 80X1 zoom. Our computer capabilities allow us view video
footage frame by frame, then digitize a single frame and enhance it
using advanced fractal enhancement technology. This can prove
quite dramatic in many cases.
Cost Effectiveness
and Surveillance:
Surveillance is often the
most expensive and least productive method of investigating a
suspected claim. For instance, a three day daytime sur |
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