An experienced Decatur personal injury lawyer knows that insurance claim adjusters often think of themselves as private investigators, and will conduct what they call an “activity check.” This is a variant of an undercover investigation, also called a “sub rosa investigation.” A sub rosa investigation involves the insurance adjuster going to the claimant’s neighborhood and asking the neighbors questions regarding the claimant’s activities, claimed disability, and his or her physical condition. The following questions are typical of what the adjuster may ask:

Questions Adjusters May Ask Your Neighbors

• Have you observed the claimant doing yard work?
• Have you seen the claimant raking leaves or cutting grass?
• Have you watched the claimant working on his or her car?
• Would you consider the claimant to be physically active?
• Do you know that the claimant is injured and disabled?

When taken by themselves, none of the answers to these questions may be either admissible or damning. However, a number of new options open up if the insurance adjuster obtains information from the neighbors that the claimant is physically active. One option is for the adjuster to hire a private investigator, i.e., bring in the “big guns.”

Nevertheless, in order to put the claim in a position for denial or discredit, the adjuster must obtain photographs or videotape showing the claimant engaging in activity strenuous enough to undermine or impeach a bodily injury claim. Time is required for this—often long, tedious hours of surveillance. Since adjusters seldom have the time necessary for this, they typically hire a private surveillance company to do the job.

We Can Help

If you would like to visit with an experienced and competent Decatur personal injury lawyer about your personal injury case, please contact the law firm of McCarthy, Rowden& Baker by calling 800-373-6050.