Surveillance Confirms Workers’ Compensation Fraud in Roofing Industry
A roofing company, through its insurance agency, engaged CaptureINTEL to conduct surveillance on a former employee who was allegedly injured and actively collecting workers’ compensation benefits. The client suspected fraud, believing the subject was continuing to work off the books for his brother’s roofing company while receiving benefits.
While working a separate case in the same area, our surveillance team observed a roofing van arrive at the house directly across the street. Four individuals exited the vehicle, and one of them was immediately identified as the subject under investigation.
Over the next eight hours, our team captured clear footage of the subject performing physically demanding roofing tasks—tearing off shingles, cleaning debris, and carrying bundles up a ladder—all activities that would be inconsistent with an injury severe enough to justify workers’ compensation.
The evidence confirmed the client’s suspicions: the subject was “double dipping”—collecting benefits while also receiving cash compensation for unreported work. This clear documentation supported the client in pursuing appropriate action and helped the insurance agency mitigate fraudulent claims.
Surveillance Confirms Concerns in Child Welfare Investigation
CaptureINTEL was engaged by a client and his attorney to conduct discreet surveillance regarding the care and supervision of his two underage daughters, ages 16 and 17, who were residing with their mother. The client had growing concerns about their well-being and suspected that the mother was frequently absent, potentially leaving the children unattended for extended periods.
Our team conducted surveillance over a 12-day period, monitoring the residence for signs of consistent adult supervision. Over the course of the investigation, the mother was observed at the residence on only two of those 12 days. This absence raised significant concerns about the daughters being left alone for prolonged periods of time.
Additionally, during the course of surveillance, our team observed the 16-year-old daughter leaving the residence one morning accompanied by her boyfriend—who had stayed overnight. This further validated the client’s concerns regarding the supervision and safety of his children.
The findings provided by CaptureINTEL offered clear, factual evidence to support the client’s legal case and allowed his attorney to move forward with actionable next steps concerning custody and welfare.
This case highlights the importance of professional, ethical surveillance when child welfare is in question—ensuring that concerns are addressed with credible evidence and the children’s best interests remain the top priority.
Surveillance Exposes Workers’ Compensation Fraud, Saving Employer Over $67K
An employee claimed he had sustained a permanent injury to his lower back, neck, and both shoulders, rendering him unable to return to work. He was approved for workers’ compensation at a weekly rate of $552.86 and was eligible to receive up to 130 weeks of benefits, totaling $71,871.80.
The employee’s attorney resisted an independent medical evaluation (IME), citing COVID-19 health concerns and claiming the employee was physically incapable of walking and had a weakened immune system that prevented him from being treated in clinical environments.
With growing concerns about the legitimacy of the claim, the employer retained CaptureINTEL to conduct surveillance. Our investigation revealed clear contradictions to the employee’s assertions. He was observed walking unassisted in public on multiple occasions, including visits to a shopping mall and a casino—without wearing a mask—despite his attorney’s claims of extreme vulnerability.
Based on the evidence we provided, the employee’s benefits were terminated. A judge upheld the denial of further benefits, ruling in favor of the employer.
Results:
- Total benefits avoided: $71,871.80
- Amount paid before termination: $4,313.86
- Total cost savings to employer: $67,557.94
This case demonstrates the power of targeted surveillance in uncovering fraudulent claims and protecting employers from significant financial loss. CaptureINTEL’s timely and thorough investigation delivered clear, court-admissible evidence that led to a favorable legal outcome and substantial cost savings.
Surveillance Uncovers Exaggerated Disability Claim, Resulting in $200K Cost Savings
CaptureINTEL was engaged by an employer whose former employee claimed to be permanently and totally disabled, citing ongoing psychological and neuropsychological issues. The employee’s attorney was adamant that the claim would not settle for less than $395,000, citing the need for lifetime care and asserting that the employee lacked the cognitive capacity to maintain any form of employment.
CaptureINTEL was brought in to verify the legitimacy of these claims through targeted surveillance.
- During surveillance, the subject was observed voluntarily working at a treatment center, specifically assisting with accounting duties—a task that contradicted the alleged mental impairment.
- We were able to petition the organization to gather more details about his involvement, further confirming active work participation.
- Additionally, the treating neuropsychologist revised their opinion, stating that the subject’s traumatic brain injury appeared to be exaggerated.
This evidence significantly weakened the employee’s credibility and forced the opposing attorney to reconsider settlement. However, their initial demand only dropped to $350,000 with medical closure.
CaptureINTEL conducted additional rounds of surveillance, capturing the subject independently taking public transportation and managing various personal tasks—further proving his functional capability.
- The claim ultimately settled for $150,000, including full closure of medical and an employment law release.
- This represented a cost savings of $200,000 for the employer.
This case is a powerful example of how factual evidence and persistent surveillance can dismantle exaggerated claims and produce significant financial savings. CaptureINTEL’s thorough and strategic approach gave the client the leverage they needed to achieve a fair and reasonable resolution.
Surveillance Disproves Disability Claim, Reducing Settlement by Over 50%
An employer engaged CaptureINTEL to conduct field surveillance on an individual who claimed to be permanently and totally disabled. The claim carried a potential exposure of approximately $155,000, and the employer had reason to believe the claim was exaggerated.
CaptureINTEL’s investigation produced compelling evidence. Through both video and photographic documentation, we observed the subject actively participating in physical activities that directly contradicted his reported limitations. He was seen playing racquetball at a fitness center and walking without any visible signs of impairment—despite previously reporting significant gait issues.
Key Outcome:
- With our evidence presented during mediation, the employer was able to settle the claim for $72,000—less than half of the original exposure.
- The settlement included no future medical obligations or employment law exposure, allowing the employer to fully close the file with confidence.
This case highlights the power of targeted surveillance in uncovering misrepresented claims and providing employers with the leverage needed to negotiate favorable outcomes. CaptureINTEL’s work directly contributed to a cost savings of over $83,000 and ensured the employer avoided long-term liabilities.