As your insurance carrier, we work with you to protect your employees and your business. That includes helping you navigate the difficult balance between caring for injured workers and preventing fraudulent workers’ compensation claims. 

One pattern we’ve seen across many suspicious claims is that the reported accident occurred with no witnesses present. Of course, not every unwitnessed injury is fraudulent, this detail is merely common in questionable claims — and should raise a flag for closer review. 

Why Unwitnessed Accidents Raise Concern 

Most workplaces involve team-based activity or employee oversight, so when someone reports an injury that no one saw — and cannot be verified through video, coworkers, or timing — it may signal a need for further scrutiny. 

Common red flags associated with unwitnessed claims include: 

  • Vague or inconsistent details about how the injury occurred 
  • Delayed reporting, especially after a weekend or time off 
  • A worker who refuses medical evaluation at the time of injury but later reports worsening symptoms 
  • The accident is conveniently timed around upcoming layoffs, job changes, or performance issues 
  • No physical evidence of an incident (e.g., no damaged equipment, no signs of a spill or obstruction) 

What Should Business Owners Do? 

Your first step is to build a workplace culture and protocol that supports both safety and accountability. The best defense against questionable claims starts long before an incident happens. 

Before an Incident Occurs: 

  • Install cameras (where legally allowed) in work areas, parking lots, lobbies, and anywhere injuries could occur. Make sure footage is routinely stored and easily retrievable. 
  • Foster a culture of safety and reporting. Encourage employees to speak up immediately when they see unsafe conditions or incidents. 
  • Conduct regular safety audits. Keep documented records that demonstrate a proactive approach to hazard identification and correction. 
  • Train supervisors and managers on how to respond to injury claims professionally and consistently. 

If an Unwitnessed Injury Is Reported: 

  1. Stay neutral. Treat the employee with professionalism and care — avoid making assumptions, but remain alert to inconsistencies. 
  2. Document thoroughly. Ask the employee to provide a detailed account, including time, location, task being performed, and how the injury occurred. 
  3. Preserve all physical evidence. Take photos of the area where the injury allegedly happened and secure any relevant equipment or tools. 
  4. Identify potential indirect witnesses. Even if no one saw the event, someone may have heard a noise, been nearby, or interacted with the employee immediately before or after. 
  5. Secure video footage. Review camera angles from before, during, and after the reported incident window. 
  6. Report the claim to your insurance carrier right away. Timely reporting allows our Claims and SIU teams to assess red flags early and gather facts while details are fresh. 

We’re Your Partner in Prevention 

Not every unwitnessed incident is suspicious — but when a pattern emerges, it deserves attention. Our team is experienced in recognizing and investigating questionable claims and can guide you through the process to ensure a fair and thorough review. 

By combining proactive safety practices with consistent incident response, you help protect your employees, discourage fraud, and preserve your business’s financial health. If you have any questions about what to look for or how to handle a claim, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.