Think an Employee Is Faking an Injury? Here’s What Small Businesses Should Do

Some employees fake injuries. Small businesses pay the price.

It happens more often than you’d think. This is an example of how it can play out.

A small café owner was struggling to keep up with rising costs. Every employee mattered. One day, one of his baristas slipped on a wet floor. The worker claimed he tore a muscle, said he could not work, and filed for workers’ compensation.

At first, the owner wanted to believe him. Accidents happen. That is why insurance exists. But something did not add up.

Then he saw the barista’s social media.

The Red Flag

A fishing trip.

A big catch.

Smiling, holding it up for the camera.

The employee, who said he could not lift anything, was hauling a huge fish with both hands.

No brace. No sign of pain.

The owner knew he needed proof. So he hired a private investigator.

Catching the Lie

A few days later, the investigator recorded the employee unloading heavy coolers from his truck. He moved without hesitation. There was no struggle.

With that footage, the café owner reported the fraud. The claim was denied. The employee quit before he could be fired.

The owner was relieved but frustrated. His business had almost been scammed. If he had not followed his instincts, he could have lost thousands.

Why This Happens

Fake injury claims cost small businesses time, money, and resources. Workers’ compensation fraud is a major problem.

Some people fake or exaggerate injuries to get time off. Others see it as an easy payday. Insurance companies do not always investigate unless a claim seems obviously suspicious.

That leaves business owners in a tough spot. They do not want to assume the worst about their employees, but they also cannot afford to be naive.

How Private Investigators Help

Private investigators uncover fraud by gathering facts. They watch, document, and provide evidence so businesses do not have to rely on gut feelings alone.

Some of the most common signs of a fake claim include:

• An injury that does not match what actually happened

• A worker who refuses treatment or skips doctor visits

• Reports of the employee doing physical activities they should not be able to do

• Suspicious timing, such as an injury right after a conflict at work

  
  

A good investigator can confirm or debunk these red flags, saving small businesses from paying out fraudulent claims.

Trust Your Gut and Get Proof

This is a reminder that if something feels off, it is worth looking into.

Workers’ compensation exists to protect employees with real injuries. But when people take advantage of the system, honest businesses pay the price.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, do not just hope for the best. Get the facts and take action.