Up Close and Personal (Injury)

INVESTIGATOR’S NOTEBOOK

A worker’s comp case in a rural area results in much closer surveillance than originally planned.

I was assigned a workers compensation case—a back and wrist injury—but I had virtually no information to start with. No pictures, no phone numbers, nothing but an address.

The minute I got to the site, I knew it would be a long day—rural area, driveway on a sharp corner on a U-shaped road. I had no choice but to sit down the road and conduct spot checks.

On my third pass later in the day, two men in a truck waved me down. I pulled to the side of the road, and the truck pulled alongside me. The driver had seen me go by a little while ago and wanted to know if I needed any help. I pointed my finger in the direction of a few trailers and said, “I’m looking for a vehicle.

”The man got excited and replied, “Oh a repo!” I smiled and explained that I expected to see a vehicle arrive in the next few days but was having a hard time watching the area.

The man offered me a nice shady spot at the end of his yard with a clear view of the area. When he pointed at the location, I fought back my victory dance. He was my claimant’s neighbor.

The man informed me that he and his passenger would be in the yard all day moving things, and they would be coming and going throughout the day. He offered me his number and told me he’d leave his house open if I needed anything inside. How sweet.

What happened next, I will never forget. The passenger introduced himself to me…and guess who! The claimant! He offered me his cell phone number, his wife’s cell phone number, binoculars to see better, and the key to his house if I needed the restroom.

Yes, the key to his house.

I thanked them both, took the numbers, and let them know that I’d be back the next day for a fresh start.

After client approval and careful consideration, I set up in my prime spot with my partner down the road.

The two men came out and offered me a drink (which I placed in the passenger seat to be polite), and they began their busy day. They started by hefting a large metal toolbox from the back of a pickup truck and continued moving things all day long. I had an excellent view of these activities and passed along all kinds of detailed information to my partner via Bluetooth.

Near the end of the day, the claimant’s family spilled out of the house and headed over to the truck to inspect me. Apparently, his two children had grown quite curious and wanted to meet me. The little one even wanted a hug.

What was I supposed to say? I’m a mama! I hugged the little one, and then the older one wanted to show me how he could pick me up. Oh boy! Then the claimant’s wife walked right over to me without warning and showed me how she could pick me up, too.

I smiled, told them I needed to get home to my own kids, and left as quickly as I could.

My partner, who could hear everything over my Bluetooth, laughed the whole time.

About the Author

Amanda Yagermyster Thompson is a private investigator, jack of all trades, and beach bum.

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