If you’ve been hurt in a New Jersey work accident, you may be aware that you can receive benefits if you file a NJ workers’ compensation claim. However, it’s important for you to know about an obstacle that you may face after you file your claim: surveillance. Employers and insurers have been known to use surveillance in hopes of finding something that they can use against you.

As an injured worker, there are 6 things you should know about surveillance:

1. Many private investigators take advantage of the times that you are at doctor appointments. They’ll make sure they can properly identify you, your vehicle, where you live, and how active you are.
2. The investigator might not find anything suspicious, but that doesn’t mean that he or she won’t try again. The surveillance may happen again in a few weeks or even months.
3. Investigators don’t just work from 9-5 on weekdays. They’ll also work on nights and weekends, when you may not expect them to be watching.
4. Try not to talk about your daily activities with people. After filing a claim, your employer may try to get information from your co-workers about where you like to go in your spare time. Investigators may go to these places to check up on you.
5. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions. If you are caught doing something that you were told not to, your case may become less valuable. You should avoid activities like carrying heavy groceries, playing sports, making car repairs, or working on the exterior of your home.
6. The only income you receive should be from your weekly benefit checks. If you earn additional income, even from odd jobs like babysitting or cutting grass, it is considered to be fraud.

Knowing these things about surveillance should make you more prepared to file your NJ workers’ compensation claim. You should also remember that being honest from the very beginning is the best thing you can do. That way, you have nothing to worry about. It may be a good idea to call a workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through this process.