The 5th Thing That A California Investigator Needs…

from the claims adjuster is a...

Photograph Of The Claimant

Well if the adjuster does not have a photograph or copy of a photo ID of the claimant try to obtain one from the employer when you interview them.  In my investigations, I prefer to interview the employer contact or claimant's supervisor first prior to interviewing the claimant.  If the employer and the adjuster does not have a photograph available, obtain a physical description of the claimant prior to interviewing them from the employer.  Once you meet the claimant in person it is always best practice to verify your interviewee by viewing then scanning, copying or taking a photograph of the claimant's drivers license or other state photo identification.  I also recommend that you take current photograph of the claimant if they will allow you.  This is because some state photo identification cards have outdated photographs.  Be sure to also document the claimant's description, including what they wore for the interview in your investigation notes and in your report.

Below are some of the reasons you need to obtain a recent photograph of the claimant in the process of your worker's compensation investigation:

• To establish the identity of the claimant.
• To provide pre-subrosa intelligence to the surveillance investigator to aide in the quick identification of the claimant during a surveillance assignment.  This will reduce any wasted time and money trying to identify the right subject of the surveillance.
• For the adjuster or defense attorney to verify the claimant's identity at their deposition, medical appointments, and at WCAB appearances.
• To assist the investigator with their online investigations (i.e. Social Networking Searches) to identify the claimant in photographs, in profile pictures, and in online videos.  

If you would like to contribute any other reasons you feel that is necessary to obtain a photograph of the claimant, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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I like to use what I call a bridge camera with a high optical zoom like the Nikon above for my investigation photo needs.  A bridge camera has the best of both worlds (the small size and high optical zoom for this type of point and shoot & the versatility of the SLR).