Mike’s Quick Answer
It depends on the claim and the methods used, but often insurers may conduct lawful surveillance from public places, review public social media, search online activity, interview witnesses, and seek available camera footage. That does not give anyone unlimited authority to trespass, harass, impersonate, or invade legally protected spaces.
What Surveillance May Include
An investigator may observe from a public roadway, record visible activities, review public posts and tagged content, or ask about routines. Businesses and neighbors may have doorbell, parking-lot, or security video. Drones and other technology raise additional privacy and legal questions that depend on how and where they are used.
Discovery in a lawsuit may also seek posts, photos, messages, wearable data, or other electronically stored information when it is relevant and proportional.
A Short Clip Can Lose Context
A video may show an activity without showing pain later, medication, help received, shortened duration, or the difference between attempting a task and doing it normally. Insurers may compare the clip with claimed restrictions and testimony.
The answer is not to stop living or stage limitations. Follow medical advice, describe abilities accurately, and avoid absolute claims such as never or always unless they are literally true.
Preserve, Do Not Curate
Changing privacy settings is different from deleting relevant content after a claim arises. Do not destroy posts, messages, photographs, or devices that may be evidence. Ask counsel before altering accounts.
If conduct feels threatening or crosses onto private property, document it safely and tell your lawyer. Whether a specific method is lawful depends on facts not available in a general article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I delete old social media posts?
It depends on what exists and the stage of the matter, but deleting potentially relevant evidence can create serious problems. Preserve content and obtain case-specific advice before changing or removing it.
Does one surveillance video destroy a claim?
It depends on what it shows and how it compares with the full evidence. Often context, duration, medical records, testimony, and editing matter. A clip is evidence, not an automatic verdict.
Sources and Further Reading
Important
This article provides general New Jersey information and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts, policy language, deadlines, and applicable law. Medical questions should be discussed with a licensed physician. Tax questions should be discussed with a qualified tax professional.