Surveillance in Disability Cases — What Insurers Look For
If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been approved or is under review, you may not realize that your insurer could be **watching you**.
Disability insurers in Alberta routinely use **surveillance** — private investigators, social media monitoring, and even drone footage — to look for evidence that undermines your claim. They say it's to verify legitimacy; in reality, it's often used to **discredit valid disabilities** and justify termination of benefits.
As Alberta disability lawyers who once defended insurance companies, we know exactly how surveillance is used, how it's interpreted, and how to protect your claim from being unfairly targeted.
This article explains why insurers conduct surveillance, what they look for, how it affects your claim, and what to do if you suspect you're being watched.
Why Insurers Use Surveillance
Insurers claim surveillance is meant to prevent fraud — but in practice, it's often used to cast doubt on legitimate disability claims.
Common reasons insurers conduct surveillance:
How Surveillance Footage Is Used Against You
Surveillance rarely proves fraud — but it's often used to justify benefit termination or weaken your legal claim.
Sending to Your Doctor
Sending it to your doctor to influence their opinion.
Presenting During 24-Month Review
Presenting it as evidence during the 24-month LTD review.
Using in Settlement Negotiations
Using it in settlement negotiations to reduce payout.
Introducing in Court
Introducing it in court to challenge credibility.
Steps to Protect Your Disability Claim from Surveillance
If you suspect surveillance or want to protect your claim, follow these steps:
Don't Change Your Routine
Act normally — you have nothing to hide. Stopping normal activity can make you appear inconsistent later.
Be Honest in Reports
Accurately describe your abilities and limitations. If you can occasionally perform light tasks, say so.
Document Your Condition
Keep a journal of pain, fatigue, and flare-ups to show the full picture of your disability.
Inform Your Lawyer
Your lawyer can request surveillance disclosure if litigation is underway and prepare a response strategy.
Check Social Media Privacy Settings
Make accounts private, avoid posting about travel or activities, and ask friends not to tag you publicly.
Contact an Alberta Disability Lawyer
If you suspect surveillance or your claim is being challenged, get legal advice immediately.
How Lawyers Challenge Surveillance Evidence
Experienced Alberta disability lawyers know how to **neutralize or discredit** surveillance evidence.
Reviewing All Raw Footage
**Reviewing all raw footage, not just insurer-selected clips.** Context often shows inconsistencies or long rest periods.
Highlighting Medical Contradictions
**Highlighting medical contradictions.** Even if you appear active, medical evidence can prove those actions worsened symptoms.
Presenting Expert Testimony
**Presenting expert testimony.** Doctors or pain specialists can explain that brief bursts of activity don't equal work capacity.
Cross-Examining Investigators
**Cross-examining investigators.** We expose bias, exaggeration, or misleading editing.
Using Your Own Evidence
**Using your own evidence.** Journals, therapy notes, or FCEs show the full picture of your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Surveillance is one of the insurance industry's most powerful — and most misunderstood — tactics. While it can be intimidating, most footage is easily explained and rarely proves fraud.
Insurers use surveillance to test consistency, not fairness
Brief activity doesn't equal full recovery
Honest, consistent reporting protects your credibility
Lawyers can expose biased or misleading surveillance