AOE (Arising Out of Employment): Why You Need an Investigator on Your Side

Worker’s compensation claims serve as a necessary safeguard for employees who are injured on the job, but what happens when the details of the incident are unclear or disputed? This is where the concept of AOE or "arising out of employment" becomes relevant and where the expertise of a skilled private investigator can make all the difference.

What Does AOE Mean?

AOE or "arising out of employment" refers to incidents where the nature of a job directly contributes to the likelihood of injury. This means understanding the connection between the job's demands and the injury itself. But what if the injury happens under less clear circumstances?

When worker’s compensation claims are filed, employers, insurance companies, and even employees can find themselves navigating many complexities. Unfortunately, not every claim is straightforward, and some may even be fraudulent. That’s where a private investigator comes in to ensure the truth is uncovered and the case is handled fairly.

Here’s how a private investigator can help:

• Clarifying the Incident: An investigator can take a deep dive into the details of how and where the injury occurred. An investigator can clarify the details of the incident by answering questions like – Was the injury truly related to job duties? Did the employee have a history of similar injuries? Was there any negligence or foul play involved?
• Uncovering the Truth: Worker’s compensation fraud is a serious issue that can create significant costs for employers and insurance companies. An investigator can conduct discreet surveillance, gather witness statements, and analyze evidence to determine if the claim is legitimate.
• Providing Peace of Mind: For employers and insurance companies, having a professional investigator on the case means having a reliable partner who ensures that the claim is legitimate, and that the compensation process is fair and just.

Real-Life Scenarios

• An employee claims to have slipped on a wet floor in the break room, but no one else saw the fall, and there’s no record of a spill being reported. An investigator can investigate security footage, interview witnesses, and check maintenance logs to verify the claim.
• A worker files a claim after being injured in a fight with a coworker, alleging that the altercation was work-related. An investigator can interview other employees, review communication records, and determine if the fight was truly about work or if personal issues were at play.
• An employee is injured in a car accident on their way to work and files a worker’s compensation claim. Typically, commuting isn’t covered unless the employee was on a work-related errand. An investigator can verify the details of the journey and assess whether the claim is valid.

The Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator

• Private investigators are trained to understand the nuances of worker’s compensation law and can identify when an injury legitimately arises out of employment.
• Unlike internal investigators who might have biases, private investigators provide an unbiased, third-party perspective that is crucial for a fair assessment of the case.
• By uncovering fraudulent claims, investigators can save employers and insurance companies significant amounts of money in false payouts.

Navigating a worker’s compensation claim can be challenging, especially when the details are murky. Whether you’re an employer, an insurance provider, or someone directly involved in a worker’s compensation case, having a private investigator on your side can ensure that the truth is revealed, and justice is served.

If you’re facing a worker’s compensation claim and need expert investigative services, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Larkins Investigations, you can trust our specialized knowledge and expertise to effectively manage all your worker’s compensation investigations with precision and care.

Remember at Larkins Investigations our motto:

INSPECT, COLLECT, and PROTECT

• INSPECT every aspect of the case.
• COLLECT every piece of evidence that can be found.
• PROTECT all parties involved.