Personal injury claims involving slip, trip, and fall incidents are among the most common types of insurance claims. However, these claims are also frequently exploited for fraudulent purposes, costing insurers millions of dollars annually. At Garrett Forensics, our expert investigations help detect and prevent fraud in personal injury cases, ensuring that only legitimate claims are compensated.
Understanding Personal Injury Fraud
Fraudulent personal injury claims occur when individuals exaggerate or completely fabricate an injury to obtain a financial settlement. Common fraud tactics include:
Staged Accidents – Claimants deliberately create hazardous conditions or falsely allege an accident occurred.
Exaggerated Injuries – Minor injuries are misrepresented as severe to increase compensation.
Pre-existing Conditions – Claimants attempt to link an unrelated injury to a recent accident.
False Witness Statements – Fraudsters may use fabricated witness accounts to support their claim.
How Garrett Forensics Detects Fraud
Our team employs a multi-faceted approach to uncover fraudulent claims and protect insurers from unnecessary payouts.
1. Site Inspections and Evidence Collection
We conduct thorough on-site inspections to assess whether the accident conditions align with the claim. Our investigators analyze factors such as:
Surface conditions and maintenance records
Presence of warning signs
Weather conditions at the time of the alleged incident
Video surveillance and security footage
2. Biomechanical and Injury Analysis
Our biomechanical experts evaluate whether the reported injuries are consistent with the physics of the alleged fall. We determine whether:
The claimed injuries match the fall mechanics
The fall trajectory is plausible
The severity of the injuries aligns with the reported accident
3. Coefficient of Friction Testing
One of the most critical elements in evaluating a slip and fall claim is coefficient of friction (COF) testing, which measures the traction between a walking surface and a person’s footwear. This scientific test determines whether a surface was inherently hazardous or if external factors played a role in the alleged accident.
A low COF value suggests that a surface is more slippery, increasing the likelihood of a fall, whereas a higher COF value indicates that the surface provides adequate traction. However, not all falls occur due to poor floor conditions—many fraudulent claims hinge on the assertion that a surface was dangerous when, in reality, it was within safety standards.
At Garrett Forensics, we use industry-standard testing equipment like the GS-1 digital tribometer to perform precise friction measurements. Our testing helps determine:
If the surface met OSHA, ASTM, and ANSI slip-resistance standards
Whether environmental factors (such as water, oil, or cleaning agents) affected traction
If the surface condition could reasonably cause a fall or if the claim is exaggerated
By conducting COF testing, we provide scientific evidence to either validate or challenge a slip and fall claim, ensuring that fraudulent or exaggerated injuries do not lead to unwarranted settlements. This method is particularly effective in cases where claimants assert that a floor was “too slippery” when objective testing proves otherwise.
Protecting Insurers from Fraudulent Claims
At Garrett Forensics, we implement fraud detection measures to protect insurers from unwarranted financial losses. By leveraging advanced forensic techniques, expert testimony, and thorough investigations, we provide fact-based evidence to dispute fraudulent claims.
If you’re facing a questionable personal injury claim, let our team help you uncover the truth. Contact Garrett Forensics today at (562) 997-3013 or visit www.garrettforensics.com to learn more.
https://garrettforensics.com/insurers/premise-liability-expert-investigations/
Leave a Reply