Holiday Pricing Special from Morrison Investigations
Morrison Investigations is now offering Holiday pricing through the end of the year. If you think your special someone is cheating and you need the proof, call us!! If you need to locate a missing family member as the Holidays approach, we can make it happen!
Please do not hesitate to call or email us for a consultation.
Special pricing will be good from 12/2/2011 to 12/31/2011.
Caught in the Act!! (For a Chili’s Gift Card)
Catch your coworkers in compromising positions (sleeping, making personal calls, dress code violations, etc.) and post the evidence on Morrison Investigations Facebook page for a chance to win a $25 Chili’s gift card for lunch!
(Feel free to share!)
Morrison Investigations is Announcing Low Summer Rates!
Morrison Investigations is pleased to announce new SUMMER RATES!! Effective June 7, 2011, Morrison Investigations will charge $55 per hour for investigation services. These special rates will stay in effect until August 31, 2011. This decreases our hourly rate by more than $10 PER HOUR! In addition, we will not charge you port to port time for investigations within the DFW metroplex! Dont miss your chance to take advantage of the GREAT DEAL and contact us today!
Morrison Investigations is located in Fort Worth, TX and our courteous and professional staff has served the Dallas/Fort Worth area for over five years now, with results worth boasting about!
If you have an investigation need in the Dallas Fort Worth area, we can handle your needs! Additionally, we are a licensed Private Investigations Company throughout the entire state of Texas. If you have a corporate need in the state of Texas, we can handle it!!
Morrison Investigations offers a variety of services to both individual and corporate clients. Our individual rates are within a reasonable and affordable price range and our competitive corporate investigative rates are what keeps Morrison Investigations a top investigative agency in Texas!
- Missing Person
- Locating Assets
- Background Investigations
- Consumer Fraud/Identity Theft
- Pre-Trial Investigation
- Infidelity Investigation
- Worker’s Comp Investigations
Please feel free to contact us regarding ALL of your investigative needs and we will produce a plan of action to make sure you are satisfied.
Thanks!
Krissy Morrison
Morrison Investigation
817-902-4550
krissy@morrisoninvestigation.com
How a Workers Comp Claim is Handled [by Adjusters]
Many injured workers and the public in general often feel it’s “them” against the EMPLOYER. They also think insurance companies live to deny claims – of any type. So, okay – now and then we hear of an insurer who denies claims left and right, but in truth most claims are accepted.
When claims are denied there is usually a good reason. Let’s explore how an adjuster handles fraudulent claims…
The Fraudulent Claim
When the adjuster has questions about a claim it may be denied or suspended pending investigation. Receiving a Notice of Dispute or Suspension of Benefits does not mean the claimant (injured worker) is suspected of fraud, it just means there is an ongoing investigation to determine the validity of the claim- the claim is being substantiated.
Fraud constitutes statements made or injuries claimed that are 100% untrue. Carriers rarely see an outright fraudulent claim in workers compensation even though this is what is so often reported on television. The carrier must prove without a shadow of a doubt that the claimant is lying about the circumstances or statements surrounding the injury claimed. And, even though I use the words “shadow of a doubt” that is not the true legal standard for how much proof the carrier must have. The burden of proof is established by the workers comp laws in each respective state and varies, and is much less than in a criminal case.
Adjusters are always looking for more definitive information from doctors including: past medical records, workers comp injuries or auto accidents, pre-existing conditions, and witness statements to help correlate the injury to the claim details. They will also review photographs of the location where the injury is said to have occured and a handwritten statement from the claimant. A recorded statement is critical for further action against the claimant if the claim is determined to be fraudulent. Good claim investigation takes time. Medical report statements and objective medical evidence are the most solid details to go on.
If a worker claims a knee injury at the workplace, unwitnessed by anyone and has no classic signs of a knee injury, that doesn’t constitute fraud. It just means the claim is weak and may be denied. In such a case, an adjuster may speak with the insured to request surveillance to “see” what degree of disability the claimant is exhibiting in their day-to-day activities.
On the other hand, if the worker claims a knee injury and submits a medical slip created on a home computer, fraud is possible if it is an attempt to submit a piece of evidence for the support of a claim that is a 100% fake. The carrier may initially accept the claim and then discovers through investigative means the medical slip is a fake, completely made up or altered to state there is a higher degree of disability than there really is. The claim will be denied and, in some jurisdictions, the carrier will pursue recovery of payments made to the claimant through legal means.
A claimant has to be very bold, and ready to risk probable legal action from both the carrier and the state were the claim is filed. Filing a fraudulent claim is not very rewarding, and the down side is huge – which is probably why true fraudulent claims are rare.
A claim under investigation doesn’t mean it is denied due to fraud. It means the adjuster’s investigation is not complete. The most common mistake employers make is not reporting a claim to the adjuster. Even when an employer has a good idea the “injury” is not legit, or doesn’t make sense, report it and let the adjuster decide. If the claim is denied be assured it is done properly and ethically.
Contact Morrison Investigations for your Workers Comp Fraud Surveillance needs!
Krissy Ansley-Morrrison
817-902-4550
SOURCE: Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc
Morrison Investigation will Catch Infidelity
We will find you the answers you need!
Morrison Investigations has a wide variety of expertise… Infidelity investigation is just one.
A Surveillance Investigation is an investigation where a subject is monitored and usually recorded without their knowledge, to obtain information for a client. The investigator is hired to survey a subject that may be cheating on a spouse. We are able to go out and obtain video of the subject’s movements through out the day and night. Sometimes the subject is caught on video!
One of the most popular types of surveillance investigations involves cheating spouses. If you suspect your spouse is being unfaithful, a surveillance investigation is one of the best ways to find out if your suspicions are right. The investigation can include still photographs or video taken in order to catch the suspected cheater in the act. It’s impossible to “deny” a photo!
Some signs to look for if you suspect your spouse/significant other is cheating are:
*Working longer hours or more than usual
*Hiding their cell phone
*Hiding credit card or Bank statements
*A change in sex life
*A change in grooming habits (tanning, working out,new style clothing, new cologne)
*Spending more time on the computer
*Unexplained hours away from home
*Not answering cell phone or not returning calls in a timely manner
*Deleting texts &/or call history from cell phone
These are just a few of the signs to look for. If you can answer yes to several of these, your suspicions are probably correct! Come talk to us before you confront your spouse/significant other.
Hiring a P.I. is a hard decision to make and not to be taken lightly. Our investigators will listen to your concerns and discuss your options that will best achieve your desired results.
Call Morrison Investigations for a NO OBLIGATION quote! Easy payments options are available.
Steps to Hiring a Private Investigator
At Morrison Investigations, we value the quality of our work and our reputation as an ethical company. For this reason, we want to share the steps to hiring a private ivestigator. Hopefully, this will help you in your search. If you are in the DALLAS FORT WORTH area, please feel free to give us a call or contact us!
A Checklist Of Qualities
A list of names is only the first step. Make sure they meet these criteria:
Licensed
Since it’s easier in some states for a person to call himself a private investigator, you don’t want to rely merely on the title as a final qualification. A few states have no requirements-anybody can call himself an investigator and try to make a living at it. Other states demand very little to qualify; some allow people to be identified as a PI if they work exclusively with one attorney.
The majority of states, however, have specific requirements. In these states, PIs must have investigative experience. The amount of time required varies and may be reduced based on education.
Strict states, for example, may require 6,000 hours of field work, such as working with the police force, the FBI or another investigator. Also, the applicant must pass a state-administered test and pass a thorough background and fingerprint investigation. California is one of the most demanding states when it comes to approving private investigators.
Contact the licensing division of your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs to learn your state’s requirements and confirm that the PIs you’re considering are indeed licensed.
Experienced
What type of educational background do they have? In law enforcement? Private investigation? Do they have technical skills, such as computer savvy? In what area is their specialty? Are there areas in which they’re inexperienced, such as computer security or polygraphs? Will this affect your needs?
Find out how many years they’ve been practicing and how many of their cases were like yours. How did those cases turn out?
Clean Record
Contact your state association of private investigators to see if any complaints have been registered or disciplinary actions filed against the investigator.
Good Character
What overall impression do you receive from this person? Is his first concern money? (Your needs come first.) Can you trust him? What are his thoughts on confidentiality? Has this person shown an ethical nature, a sense of decency?
While private investigators are not officially held to an attorney-client or doctor-patient level of confidentiality, a good PI will honor this. He will never surrender an informant or information, and will keep private everything shared between the two of you.
Some clients worry that their identities may be revealed if a PI is confronted by the person being investigated. A good PI would never disclose his client’s name. This protects you. If the surveillance fails, you at least haven’t suffered any repercussions because of it.
There are times, however, when a private investigator would want to let subjects know they’re being investigated, such as in a pre-employment screening. This technique discourages applicants who have something in their backgrounds that would disqualify them.
Can Testify In Court
People with a law enforcement or federal agent background know the system and how to work within it. They can produce evidence or other legal materials that will hold up in court. They also are prepared to testify in support of it. Make sure the investigator you choose has this background. Ask if he is prepared to come to court if the situation requires it. Also find out if he has ever testified in a similar case and if there is anything in his past that could prevent him from taking the stand.
Remember, if your situation ends up in the court system, your case will be that much stronger if your PI is adept at testifying and presenting the information he’s uncovered.
To be considered an expert and eligible to testify, a private investigator will be asked a series of qualifying questions by the judge that may focus on his background, education, experience and anything else that may determine if he’s an “expert.”
As in other situations, appearance is important. Is he well-groomed and professional looking? Would he command respect from a judge or jury?
Knows Human Nature
Knowing how to anticipate people, how to question them, and how to strategize based on what you learn are effectively valuable PI tools. While this experience in human nature may not compensate for a private investigator skilled with a computer, a good “people sense” makes a PI more effective III gathering and relaying information.
Works Out Of An Office
Scratch a PI off your list if he conducts business only at restaurants, by phone or through a mailbox address. Once you’ve handed him a payment, how do you know you’ll be able to find him again?
An orderly office can also be a window into the degree of his professionalism.
Clearly Spells Out Fees
Right off, tell him what you want done and find out how much it will cost. He should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate and should ever exceed this amount unless you’re notified beforehand.
Remember from Chapter Two that it’s not expensive to locate people and assets. Many private investigators will have an office computer ready to tap into various databases. Their time and expertise may raise the fee, but locating people should generally cost around $70. A background investigation is about $300 to $400.
Has Good Rapport With You
Do you connect with the PI? Does he understand your situation? Does he maintain eye contact? Do you feel comfortable? You’re trusting him with the confidentiality of your situation as well as the information he uncovers, which may affect many of the people closest to you. He should treat your case with sensitivity.
Is his conversation free of any patronizing or condescending remarks? Do you feel comfortable enough to ask all your questions? Are his answers satisfying? Do you leave the office with a sense of hope?
A good private investigator is as professional in the delivery of information as he is in gathering it. As his client, you should feel he is looking out for your best interests.
The First Meeting
What should you bring to the initial meeting? All relevant documents and information, and be prepared to summarize your needs. For example, Anna wants to have a surveillance conducted on her husband, Miles. For her consultation, Anna should provide an accurate description of him (bring a picture) and his car, as well as any significant addresses, such as his office, local hangouts, friends’ houses, etc. We also request a twenty-four hour scenario-what is his typical day like?
Don’t worry if you forget something. This is just the first step toward hiring someone. You’re just gathering information about service, fees and the investigator himself. The investigator will walk you through the process and what he needs to do his job.
The initial consultation should be free, which will relieve the decision-making pressure. And you should feel comfortable giving yourself time to evaluate your needs with the new information you have gathered from your consultation. If you decide to use this particular agency, you will schedule a follow-up meeting to begin the process. You can provide the additional information at that time.
SOURCE: InvestigatorConfidential.com
Workers Comp Fraud is Alive and Well
Perception is reality until proven otherwise, and when it comes to fraud in the workers’ compensation system there is the perception that employee fraud is widespread and costs are up because of employee fraud.
This is why Morrison Investigations investigates FRAUD committed by employees claiming workers compensation injuries.
A Travis County district court sentenced a Laredo man on workers’ compensation fraud-related charges. The court ordered Jose Perez to serve 60 days in jail and repay $7,388 in benefits to Texas Mutual Insurance Company.
Perez reported a job-related injury while working in the shipping and receiving department of a Brumley Professional Employer Services client company. Perez claimed he was unable to work as a result of the injury, and Texas Mutual began paying income benefits to him.
Meanwhile, Texas Mutual uncovered evidence that Perez was working at a distribution center in Laredo.
Investigators call this type of scam double-dipping, because the claimant collects benefits for being too injured to work when he or she is, in fact, gainfully employed. Texas law requires claimants to contact their workers’ comp carrier when they return to work. Left unchecked, double-dipping and other workers’ comp fraud can lead to higher premiums for all Texas employers.
About Texas Mutual Insurance Company
Austin-based Texas Mutual Insurance Company is the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Since 1991, the company has provided a stable, competitively priced source of workers’ comp insurance for Texas employers. Texas Mutual maintains three teams of in-house fraud investigators. In 2009, they saved, identified or recovered $16 million through their claimant, health care provider and employer fraud investigations.
*SOURCE: Texas Mutual Insurance Blog.
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