Our last blog post discussed how insurers hire private investigators to follow and record personal injury plaintiffs and workers' compensation claimants during Mardi Gras season. Their hope is that the investigators will catch people doing things in public during parades that are inconsistent with the injuries they claim to have.

What to Do If You've Filed a Personal Injury Lawsuit or Been Injured at Work, but Still Want to Enjoy Mardi Gras.

First, understand that the investigators are hired to find evidence that can be used to discredit your case or claim. It's all about appearances. If, for example, you have been in an automobile crash or suffered a back injury at work and can no longer lift a 50 lb. box like you could before, it doesn't mean you aren't able to lift and carry an aluminum ladder that weighs much less. But an investigator's photos or videos of you doing so can raise enough questions with an insurer to jeopardize your lawsuit or workers' compensation claim, which means you'll be spending a considerable amount of time and energy defending yourself and trying to win your case or keep your benefits.

So, Do I Have to Skip Mardi Gras?

Does that mean you should stay indoors throughout the entire season, missing your favorite parades and other Mardi Gras events? Not necessarily, but if you do go out it's worth keeping in mind that someone may be watching you. More importantly, if you're still healing from your accident or workplace injury, Mardi Gras is not the time to deviate from your medical treatment or physical therapy sessions. And it's certainly not the time to push yourself beyond the limits that your doctors and therapists have set for you. So be mindful that you've been injured, that your body needs time to heal, and that acting as though you're healed when you're not – while it may boost your pride – can cause you to aggravate your injuries as well as potentially lose your lawsuit or your worker's compensation benefits.

The Delsa Law Firm, LLC, Can Help

If you have been injured in an accident and believe someone else may be responsible for your injuries; if you've been hurt on the job and have questions about applying for workers' compensation; or if your workers'

compensation benefits have been denied or cut off for any reason, contact the Delsa Law Firm, LLC, for help. Attorney Ben Delsa has been representing personal injury clients as well as injured hard-working employees in Louisiana for years, and can help receive the damages or benefits you're entitled to. Our office is conveniently located in Slidell, just off of I-12. Call us today at (985) 882-1222 or reach out through the Delsa Law Firm, LLC contact form.