LS Intelligence

What Are Workers’ Compensation Investigations

#Workers Comp Hobart

Workers’ compensation investigations are conducted to determine whether an employee’s claim for benefits is valid and whether the employer is liable for the employee’s injuries or illness. These investigations are mainly instigated by employees who have been injured or fallen ill while at work and are seeking compensation for their injuries.

What are the investigators looking for when they interview the employer?

When investigators interview an employer about a workers’ compensation claim, they are typically looking for information about the company’s safety policies and procedures, the employee’s job duties, and any other relevant details that may help determine the employer’s liability for the injury or illness.

The investigator may ask the employer about the company’s safety policies and procedures, the employee’s job duties, training, qualifications, any safety violations or incidents that have occurred at the company, and any prior workers’ compensation claims filed by employees.

They may also ask to review the company’s safety records, such as accident reports and ask to speak with any other employees or supervisors who may have information relevant to the claim.

What are the investigators looking for when they interview the employee?

When investigators interview an employee who has filed a workers’ compensation claim, they are typically looking for information about the circumstances of the injury or illness, the employee’s medical history, and any other relevant details that may help determine the validity of the claim.

The investigator may ask the employee about how the injury or illness occurred, symptoms, treatment received, and any witness to the incident. They may also ask for any relevant documentation, such as medical reports or bills and may ask the employee to undergo a medical examination to determine the extent of the injury or illness.

What other steps might investigators take to obtain relevant information for the investigation?

In addition to interviewing the employee and the employer, investigators may also gather information by reviewing relevant documentation, such as medical records, accident reports, and company safety records.

They may also visit the workplace to inspect the site of the incident and take photographs or videos. In addition, they may speak with other employees or supervisors who may have information relevant to the case.

In some cases, they may consult with medical experts to help determine the extent of the employee’s injuries and the cause of the illness.

The goal of all these steps is to gather enough information to make a determination about the claim, which may include decisions about the number of benefits to be paid, the duration of the benefits, and whether the employer is responsible for the injury or illness.

Contact Us

Factual and Surveillance Investigations in Australia: When Are They Necessary?

Factual and surveillance investigations play a critical role in various situations and scenarios. These techniques are crucial tools for private investigators, helping to uncover the truth, monitor activities, and gather evidence for legal proceedings. In this article, we will discuss some common situations in which factual and surveillance investigations may be required from a private investigation perspective in Australia.

Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Claims
In Australia, insurance fraud and workers’ compensation claims are areas where factual and surveillance investigations are frequently employed. By collecting evidence and conducting surveillance on claimants, private investigators can determine if an individual is genuinely injured or disabled, thereby helping insurance companies and employers avoid paying fraudulent claims.

Background Checks and Due Diligence
Factual investigations are often used in conducting background checks and due diligence on individuals and businesses. These checks can include verifying employment history, educational credentials, financial status, and criminal records. Such investigations are particularly important for employers looking to hire new employees or businesses considering mergers and acquisitions.

Family Law and Child Custody Disputes
Surveillance investigations are often required in family law cases, particularly in child custody disputes. Private investigators can gather evidence to determine if a parent is fit to have custody of their child by monitoring their behaviour and ensuring the child’s best interests are being met. Additionally, factual investigations can help uncover relevant information about a parent’s financial stability, criminal history, and other factors that may impact their ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child.

Infidelity and Marital Disputes
Private investigators in Australia often use surveillance investigations to gather evidence of infidelity in marital disputes. This evidence can be crucial for divorce proceedings, particularly when issues like property division, alimony, and child custody are at stake.

Locating Missing Persons
Factual investigations can be instrumental in locating missing persons or reuniting long-lost family members. By using various resources and techniques, private investigators can gather information on the individual’s last known whereabouts, uncover new leads, and eventually locate the missing person.

Corporate Investigations
Factual and surveillance investigations are also useful in corporate settings, such as detecting instances of employee misconduct, intellectual property theft, and other fraudulent activities. Surveillance can help monitor employees’ activities, while factual investigations can uncover evidence of wrongdoing, ensuring that businesses can protect their assets and reputation.

Factual and surveillance investigations are essential tools for private investigators, helping to gather evidence, monitor activities, and uncover the truth in various situations. Whether it’s an insurance claim, a family law dispute, or a corporate investigation, employing these investigative techniques can provide valuable insights and information to support legal proceedings and decision-making processes.

Contact Us

Online investigation, also known as cyber investigation or digital investigation, serves several purposes across various fields, such as law enforcement, intelligence agencies, private organizations, and individuals. Some key objectives of online investigation include:

Crime prevention and detection
Law enforcement agencies use online investigations to identify and prevent illegal activities, such as cybercrimes, fraud, identity theft, online harassment, child exploitation, and terrorism.

Gathering evidence
Investigators collect digital evidence from various online sources, such as social media, email, instant messaging, and websites, to support criminal and civil cases.

Intelligence gathering
Intelligence agencies and private organizations use online investigations to gather information on potential threats, monitor activities of interest, and assess risks.

Counterintelligence
Online investigations can help identify and counter threats from foreign or domestic adversaries attempting to compromise sensitive information or systems.

Corporate investigation
Businesses may conduct online investigations to uncover instances of intellectual property theft, corporate espionage, and employee misconduct, or to perform due diligence on potential partners or acquisitions.

Background checks
Online investigation techniques are often used to verify personal and professional information about individuals, for example, in pre-employment screening, tenant screening, or relationship verification.

Cybersecurity
Online investigations play a crucial role in identifying and analyzing security breaches, data leaks, and other cyber threats to help protect organizations’ digital assets.

Legal compliance
Online investigations help ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as copyright, data protection, and privacy laws, by identifying violations and implementing necessary corrective actions.

In summary, the purpose of ‘online investigation’ is to gather information, maintain safety and security, prevent and detect criminal activities, and support legal and compliance processes in various domains.

Contact Us

Process Servers – Hobart

What on earth does that mean?

So, you’re searching through the ‘Positions Vacant in Tasmania’ listings, and you come across an advert for Process Servers – Hobart.

You need to know three things:

1. What are Process Servers?
2. What does a Process Server do?
3. Can I do that?

Let us see what we can do to bring you up to speed.

What Are Process Servers?

If you don’t recognise the term Process Server, you may recognise some of the other names by which they are known, like Field Agent or Mercantile Agent. In days gone buy they have even been known as a Catchpole which comes from Medieval England and refers to a Sheriff’s assistant also known as a Cacherel.

Simply put, the term “Service of Process” is (according to Wikipedia) the procedure by which a party to a lawsuit gives an appropriate notice of initial legal action to another party (such as a defendant), court, or administrative body in an effort to exercise jurisdiction over that person so as to enable that person to respond to the proceeding before the court.

It is quite common in Family Law matters and matters involving debt collection, however it can relate to any occasion when legal action between two parties is taking place.

In order to become a Process Server, you will need to make an application to obtain the required licence from each State in which you wish to carry out this work. This will involve you undergoing various criminal, identity, and police checks. Some states do not require a licence.

What Does a Process Server Do?

One of the main roles of Process Servers is to personally deliver, or SERVE, documents of the court and other related documents on individuals or corporations. However, there are other tasks involved, including confirming that an address belongs to the specific person to be served.

The Process Server is then required to produce a sworn document detailing the actions that they took to find the person that was to be served and whether that service was completed. The document would be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or a Solicitor and would then be accepted by the court as a true record of what occurred in regard to the service of process for the purposes of legal proceedings.

Can I Do That?

There are a few things to consider if you are thinking of taking up a position as a process server in Hobart, Tasmania, or anywhere else in Australia.

How Many Times Do You Have to Attempt to Serve the Papers?

Under normal circumstances, at minimum, three attempts are made and these would take place on different days of the week, and at different times of the day, in order to maximise the possibility of completing the service.

When is the Process Service Deemed Successful?

The easiest method is simply to knock on the persons’ door, confirm their identity, and hand the person the document.

If that method is not available, the process server could serve the papers to you at your place of employment or even to someone that is authorised to accept documents on your behalf.

So long as you have confirmed that the person you are talking to is the correct recipient for the documents to be served, it is not essential for you to actually put them in the person’s hand. You can advise them of the basic content of the papers and place the papers near the person. The fact that they have seen the papers and know what they are is enough to consider them served.

Can This Be Dangerous Work?

In most cases no, but of course, there are times when the reasons for the documents you are serving are contested and may create ill-feeling. In those cases, you will need to be polite and understanding to carry out your task smoothly.

You are only the messenger after all, so it is a good idea not to have any opinion about the reasons for the actions taking place.

So, there you have it. Some basic information on a job that you never thought you would have but that might just have attracted your interest when checking for vacancies.

So, if you are interested in a career as a process server or private investigator please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us

Good Luck!

From Conflict to Collaboration

How Workplace Behaviour Consulting Can Transform Interpersonal Dynamics in Your Organization.

So first up, what is Workplace Behaviour Consulting?

Workplace behaviour consulting is a professional service provided by experts who specialize in analyzing, assessing, and improving the conduct and interactions of individuals and groups within an organization. The primary goal of workplace behaviour consulting is to enhance the overall work environment, promote positive communication, and foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and productivity.

Consultants in this field typically work with businesses and organizations to identify and address specific issues or challenges related to employee behaviour, interpersonal dynamics, and organizational culture. This may include areas such as conflict resolution, team building, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and employee engagement.

Workplace behaviour consultants employ various strategies, tools, and techniques to achieve their objectives, such as conducting workshops, facilitating training sessions, providing one-on-one coaching, and offering customized recommendations based on thorough assessments and observations. Ultimately, these services aim to create a healthier, more supportive, and more productive workplace for all employees.

Although the exact approach may vary depending on the consultant’s methodology and the organization’s needs, the general process can be outlined in the following steps:

Initial assessment and consultation
The consultant will meet with the organization’s leadership to discuss their concerns, objectives, and expectations. This helps identify the key issues and areas for improvement within the workplace.

Data gathering and analysis
They will then collect relevant data and information, using such tools as employee surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations. This data helps them gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s culture, employee behaviour patterns, and potential challenges.

Diagnosis and recommendation
Based on the gathered data, the consultant can identify the root causes of workplace behaviour issues and develops tailored recommendations and strategies to address them. These may include interventions such as training programs, policy changes, or process improvements.

Implementation
The consultant and the organization will work together to implement the recommended strategies and interventions. This may involve conducting workshops, training sessions, coaching, or facilitating changes in management processes.

Monitoring and evaluation
The consultant monitors the progress of the implemented strategies and evaluates their effectiveness in addressing the identified workplace behaviour issues. Regular feedback and adjustments are made as needed to ensure continuous improvement.

Follow-up and support
After the completion of the consulting engagement, the consultant can provide ongoing support and follow-up services to ensure that the organization continues to benefit from the implemented strategies and maintains a healthy workplace environment.

Continuous improvement
As the organization grows and evolves, workplace behaviour consulting may be revisited periodically to reassess the environment and identify new areas for improvement.

These steps represent a general framework for workplace behaviour consulting, and the specific process may be tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each organization.

Contact Us

Public Liability Investigation refers to the process of examining and assessing claims related to incidents that occur on public or private property, where an individual or entity may be held legally responsible for causing injury, property damage, or other losses to a third party. These investigations aim to determine the validity of such claims, identify the parties involved, and gather evidence to establish the extent of liability.

In Australia, public liability insurance is commonly held by businesses, organizations, and property owners to protect themselves against potential claims. Public Liability Investigations are often carried out by specialized insurance investigators or independent adjusters who gather information through interviews, site visits, and review of documents such as incident reports, photographs, and surveillance footage. The results of these investigations can help insurers, legal teams, and other stakeholders in making decisions about claim settlements, dispute resolutions, and risk management strategies.

Here are a few examples of situations that may lead to a claim and would require further investigation.

Example 1: Uneven Pavement Trip and Fall
A pedestrian trips and falls on uneven pavement in a public area, sustaining injuries. The confusion in this claim arises from identifying the responsible party for maintaining the pavement. It could be the local council, a nearby business, or a property owner. The investigation would need to determine which party is responsible for the maintenance and whether they were aware of the hazard or failed to address it in a timely manner.

Example 2: Tree Branch Falling on a Parked Car
A tree branch falls on a parked car in a public parking lot, causing significant damage. The confusing aspect of this claim is determining who is responsible for the maintenance of the tree. The parking lot could be owned by a private company, managed by the local government, or maintained by a third party. Additionally, it may be necessary to determine whether the tree was healthy or diseased and if proper maintenance had been performed to prevent such incidents.

Example 3: Injured Pedestrian at a Construction Site
A pedestrian is injured when walking past a construction site due to debris falling from the site. The confusion in this claim arises from multiple parties potentially being liable, such as the construction company, the property owner, or a subcontractor. The investigation would need to establish which party was responsible for the safety of the area and if any safety protocols were breached or ignored.

Example 4: Injuries at a Sporting Event
An attendee at a sporting event is injured when a stray ball from the game hits them. The confusing aspect of this claim is identifying who is liable for the injury. It could be the sports team, the venue management, or the event organizer. The investigation would need to assess the safety measures in place, such as protective netting or warning signs, and evaluate whether any parties failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent such incidents.

Contact Us

Are an “Insurance Risk Survey” and an “Insurance Risk Assessment” the same thing?

While the two are closely related, they are not precisely the same thing. Both involve evaluating potential risks associated with insurable assets, but they differ in scope, focus, and methodology.

An insurance risk survey typically involves a more detailed, in-depth examination of a specific asset, such as property, vehicle, or business. It often includes on-site inspections, document and data analysis, interviews with key personnel, and sometimes remote sensing.

The primary goal of an insurance risk survey is to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities that could lead to insurance claims.

An insurance risk assessment is a broader process that involves evaluating the overall risk exposure of an individual, business, or portfolio of assets. It may incorporate the findings of insurance risk surveys but also includes other factors, such as financial strength, industry trends, and historical claims data. Insurance risk assessments are used to inform underwriting decisions, pricing, and portfolio management strategies for insurers.

At LS Intelligence we specialise in Insurance Risk Surveys.

Why would such a survey be undertaken?

This might happen for several reasons:
a) At the request of an insurance company during the underwriting process, to obtain detailed information about the risk factors associated with a specific asset, such as a building or a business. This helps the insurer to set appropriate premiums, terms, and conditions for the insurance policy.

b) At the request of a policyholder seeking to reduce their insurance premiums, by identifying and addressing potential hazards that could lead to a claim. A risk survey can also help policyholders understand and manage their risks better, which can result in improved safety and loss prevention measures.

c) As part of regulatory or legal requirements, where certain industries or businesses may be mandated to undergo risk assessments to ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, or other industry-specific guidelines.

What form would such a survey take?

An insurance risk survey can take various forms, depending on the type of asset or risk involved. Some common forms include:
a) Physical inspections: Surveyors visit the property, business, or asset in question and conduct a thorough on-site assessment to identify potential hazards, such as structural issues, fire risks, or security vulnerabilities.

b) Document and data analysis: Surveyors review relevant records, such as maintenance logs, safety reports, and operational data to assess risk factors and historical trends.

c) Interviews and questionnaires: Surveyors may speak with key personnel, such as managers or safety officers, to gather information about the business’s operations, risk management practices, and any previous incidents or claims.

d) Remote sensing and technology: In some cases, surveyors may use remote sensing equipment, such as drones, to inspect hard-to-reach areas or assess large-scale risks, such as flood or landslide potential.

What would result from such a survey?

The outcomes of an insurance risk survey typically include:
a) A comprehensive report detailing the identified risks, their potential impact, and suggested mitigation measures. This report may also include risk ratings or scores, which help insurers and policyholders prioritize and address the most critical issues.

b) Recommendations for risk management strategies, such as implementing safety procedures, improving security measures, or investing in maintenance and repairs.

c) Adjustments to insurance premiums, policy terms, or coverage limits based on the findings of the survey. In some cases, insurers may require policyholders to take specific actions or make improvements to their assets before providing coverage.

d) Increased awareness and understanding of the risks associated with the asset, which can help policyholders make informed decisions about their insurance needs and risk management practices.

In summary, an insurance risk survey is a more focused, in-depth examination of a specific asset, while an insurance risk assessment is a broader evaluation of overall risk exposure. Both processes are essential components of the insurance industry’s efforts to manage and price risk effectively.

Contact Us

Fraud investigation refers to the systematic process of examining, analyzing, and uncovering fraudulent activities or deceptions in various sectors, such as financial, corporate, or individual settings.

These investigations aim to identify and gather evidence of fraudulent behaviour, establish the extent of the fraud, determine the individuals or entities involved, and ultimately prevent, mitigate or prosecute the fraudulent activities.

Fraud investigators may use various techniques and tools, such as forensic accounting, data analysis, interviews, surveillance, and document examination, to uncover the truth behind the suspected fraudulent acts.

Let’s investigate these techniques in a little more detail.

Forensic accounting is a specialized field of accounting that involves the examination and analysis of financial records to detect and investigate fraud, embezzlement, or other financial irregularities. An example of forensic accounting in a fraud investigation could be analyzing a company’s financial statements to identify discrepancies, such as inflated revenues or hidden expenses, which may indicate fraudulent activities by management.

Data analysis refers to the process of systematically examining, cleaning, transforming, and modelling data to extract useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making. In a fraud investigation, data analysis might involve using software to analyze large datasets for unusual patterns or anomalies that suggest fraudulent transactions. For example, an investigator might analyze a bank’s transaction data to identify suspicious patterns, such as large transfers to offshore accounts or repeated transactions just below the reporting threshold.

Interviews are a common method used in fraud investigations to gather information from individuals who may have knowledge about suspected fraudulent activities. This can involve questioning witnesses, employees, or even the suspected individuals to gather information, verify facts, or understand the context of the fraud. For example, an investigator might interview an employee who reported suspicious behaviour by a coworker, to gain more insight into the allegations and gather additional evidence.

Surveillance is the monitoring of a person, place, or activity, often covertly, to gather information and evidence related to a fraud investigation. This can include physical surveillance (such as following a suspect or observing a location) or electronic surveillance (such as monitoring phone calls, emails, or social media). For instance, if an investigator suspects that an employee is selling confidential company information to a competitor, they might conduct surveillance on the individual to capture evidence of the illegal activity.

Document examination is the analysis of documents to determine their authenticity, origin, or content, and to identify any signs of tampering or forgery. In a fraud investigation, document examination might involve reviewing contracts, invoices, emails, or other records to identify inconsistencies, alterations, or falsified information. For example, an investigator could examine invoices from a supplier to verify if the amounts charged match the actual goods or services provided, or if the documents have been altered to cover up fraudulent activities.

In conclusion, investigating fraud is a crucial aspect of maintaining integrity, trust, and accountability in various sectors, including financial, corporate, and individual settings.

By continually refining and adapting investigative approaches, organizations, law enforcement agencies, and professionals can more effectively combat the ever-evolving landscape of fraud and protect the interests of businesses, individuals, and society at large.

Contact Us

Insurance assessing, also known as insurance adjusting or claims adjusting, is the process of evaluating and settling insurance claims.

It involves the investigation, evaluation, and determination of the extent of an insurer’s liability when an insured party submits a claim for compensation due to a loss or damage covered under an insurance policy.

Insurance assessors, or claims adjusters, are professionals who work on behalf of insurance companies to determine the appropriate settlement amount.

They gather information, inspect the damage or loss, evaluate the claim, negotiate settlements, and ensure that claims are valid, accurate, and fairly resolved.

Their main responsibilities include:

Investigating claims: Assessors gather information and evidence related to the claim, which may involve interviewing claimants, witnesses, and other relevant parties, as well as reviewing documentation, such as police reports and medical records.

Inspecting damages: They visit the site of the incident to inspect and assess the extent of the damage or loss, taking photographs and measurements as necessary.

Evaluating policy coverage: Assessors must thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to determine what is covered and to what extent, as well as any deductibles or policy limits that may apply.

Determining liability: In some cases, they must determine who is at fault for the incident, which may affect the claim’s outcome.

Estimating costs: They estimate the costs of repairs, replacements, or other necessary services to determine the appropriate compensation amount.

Negotiating settlements: Assessors negotiate with claimants or their representatives to agree on a fair settlement, taking into account policy limits and other factors.

Documenting and reporting: They must keep detailed records of their investigations, evaluations, and settlements, which may be used for future reference or in the event of disputes or legal proceedings.

Insurance assessment is a crucial aspect of the insurance industry, as it ensures that claims are resolved efficiently and fairly, protecting both the interests of the insured and the insurer.

At LS intelligence our vast experience with both insurance and other investigative procedures means that we can provide a professional and efficient Insurance Claims service.

Contact Us