Guide · 5 min read
Signs of workers’ comp fraud, for employers and adjusters
Most injury claims are legitimate. Some are not, and a few exaggerated claims can raise costs for an entire business. Here is how suspected fraud is identified fairly and documented lawfully.
- Written byOur Nashville detectives
- UpdatedOctober 25, 2026
- Reading time5 minutes
- Related serviceWorkers’ comp surveillance
- Warning signs include Monday-morning injuries with no witnesses, conflicting accounts, and reports of the claimant working elsewhere.
- Activity checks are conducted only from public places and document what the claimant actually does.
- Tennessee’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation accepts fraud reports.
Common warning signs
- An injury reported on a Monday, about something that happened “at work” with no witnesses
- Accounts of the incident that change over time
- The claimant is hard to reach at home during the day
- Tips from coworkers about side work, sports or home projects
- A claim filed right after discipline, a layoff notice or a denied request
- Social media posts inconsistent with reported limitations
Keep it fair
None of these signs proves fraud. Good investigations are designed to be fair: they document what a claimant actually does, and sometimes that confirms the injury is real. That is a useful answer too.
How activity checks work
A detective observes the claimant on days when activity is likely, from public places only, and records time-stamped video of physical activity. We never trespass, pretext into homes, or try to provoke activity. Our workers’ comp surveillance reports are written for adjusters and defense counsel.
Reporting suspected fraud
Tennessee’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation accepts reports of suspected fraud by employees, employers and providers. Your carrier or defense counsel will usually coordinate this. See also insurance fraud investigations.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different; talk to a Tennessee attorney about your case. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.
When you’re ready
How we can help
Licensed Tennessee private detectives, lawful methods, and reports written for the people who will read them.
Is it legal to put surveillance on a workers’ comp claimant?
Yes, when conducted lawfully from public places by a licensed investigator. Trespass and pretexting into private areas are not permitted.
What does workers’ comp surveillance cost?
It depends on how many days are needed. We plan around the days activity is most likely to keep costs down.
Talk it through with a detective.
Confidential, no-pressure. We’ll tell you honestly whether a detective is worth it for your situation.