Insurance Fraud Surveillance Case Study: Alleged Traumatic Brain Injury
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Watch Actual Surveillance Footage From a Real Personal Injury Investigation
Every personal injury lawsuit begins with allegations.
It's the job of the attorneys to advocate for their clients. It's the job of the court to determine whether those claims are supported by the evidence.
Our job is to collect the evidence.
In this true case study, Global Defense Investigation (GDI) was retained by legal counsel representing an insurance carrier to conduct surveillance during an active personal injury claim involving an alleged traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The plaintiff claimed that a head injury sustained after being struck by a power saw in a retail store left her unable to work, perform physical labor, or carry out many everyday activities.
Rather than relying on assumptions, our investigators were hired to lawfully document the facts through professional surveillance.
Watch the video below to see what our investigation documented.
The Claim
According to the claim, the plaintiff alleged she suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck in the head by a power saw while shopping at a home improvement store.
The reported injuries were significant.
She claimed the resulting injury prevented her from working, performing physical labor, and completing many routine daily activities. Based on those alleged limitations, substantial damages were being sought.
Because the case involved significant claimed losses, legal counsel retained Global Defense Investigation to conduct professional surveillance and document the plaintiff's day-to-day activities.
The Investigation
Our investigators developed a lawful, discreet surveillance plan designed to document the subject's daily routine over multiple days.
As with every investigation, our objective was never to prove a predetermined outcome.
Our responsibility was simple:
Collect objective evidence.
Every observation was documented through professionally obtained video and detailed investigative reporting suitable for litigation review.
What the Surveillance Documented
During the investigation, our surveillance captured the plaintiff engaging in numerous physically demanding activities.
Among those documented activities were:
Operating a power washer
Performing extended outdoor manual labor
Completing physically demanding household tasks
Moving naturally throughout the day without apparent physical restrictions during documented periods
The recorded activities appeared inconsistent with the severe physical limitations described in the claim.
Rather than relying on opinions or assumptions, the surveillance provided attorneys with objective visual evidence they could evaluate alongside medical records, witness testimony, and the other facts presented in the case.
Why Surveillance Matters in Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury litigation often involves competing versions of events.
Medical records provide one part of the picture.
Witness testimony provides another.
Professional surveillance adds something neither can provide:
Objective documentation of real-world activity.
When conducted legally and ethically, surveillance helps attorneys, insurance carriers, and courts evaluate claims using observable evidence rather than speculation.
Sometimes surveillance supports a plaintiff's allegations.
Sometimes it raises legitimate questions.
Either outcome serves the same purpose—ensuring decisions are based on facts.
Professional Surveillance That Holds Up in Court
Effective surveillance is far more than following someone with a camera.
Successful investigations require careful planning, experienced investigators, knowledge of state and federal privacy laws, detailed documentation, and high-quality video evidence that can withstand legal scrutiny.
At Global Defense Investigation, every surveillance assignment is conducted with professionalism, discretion, and strict adherence to applicable laws and investigative standards.
Our clients receive court-ready documentation they can rely on throughout the litigation process.
Insurance Fraud and Litigation Investigations
Global Defense Investigation provides surveillance services for:
Personal injury litigation
Insurance fraud investigations
Workers' compensation claims
Disability claims
Liability investigations
Civil litigation support
Attorney case preparation
Whether the evidence confirms a claim or challenges it, our investigators deliver the objective documentation attorneys need to make informed legal decisions.
Because when significant financial decisions are at stake, allegations alone aren't enough.
Proof is what holds up in court.
Need Professional Surveillance for a Personal Injury or Insurance Fraud Investigation?
Global Defense Investigation provides discreet, legally compliant surveillance services for attorneys, insurance companies, corporations, government agencies, and self-insured organizations.
Our licensed investigators deliver court-ready evidence, comprehensive reporting, and professional documentation that stands up under scrutiny.
Fairfax Office10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100 Fairfax, VA 22030
📞 (703) 509-7767📧 researchdepartment@gdinvestigation.com
Woodbridge Office15000 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100Woodbridge, VA 22191
📞 (804) 305-8918📧 boatwright@gdinvestigation.com
To protect client confidentiality and the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings, certain identifying details have been modified or omitted. The surveillance footage shown is from an actual investigation conducted by Global Defense Investigation.
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