MERCURY INVESTIGATIONS
Call 510 268 9810
Email
mercury@mercuryinvestigations.com
349 Fifteenth Street
Oakland, California 94612
SURVEILLANCE AND SUB ROSA INVESTIGATIONS IN PERSONAL INJURY, WORKERS COMPENSATION, DISABILITY, HARASSMENT AND CUSTODY CASES.
Sometimes a subject falsifies a claim, exaggerates a disability or malingers. A video tape and/or still photographs of the subject performing work or activities beyond the scope of his or her disability can be compared with the subject's own testimony or a physician's diagnosis. When such video tapes and photographs are shown during pretrial negotiations or in court, the effects can favorably close a case.
If a subject is harassing someone or subjecting an adult or child to dangerous circumstances, surveillance and video tape of the subject engaging in this conduct may be the only way to prove these facts in court.
Mercury has extensive experience in personal injury, workers compensation, custody and harassment cases. We supply clients with high quality video and/or still film and with a detailed and accurate investigator's log of activities under observation. Mercury uses top-of-the line camera equipment for outdoor surveillance (and indoor work, if permitted.)
Because sub rosa investigation and surveillance often require one or more investigators to follow and observe a subject, preparation is key. The preliminary steps to a successful surveillance are:
1. Identify the subject by use of photographs and a physical description. A mistake in identification is costly and time-consuming. A vehicle identification is helpful.
2. Determine the locations of the subject, i.e. residence, work place, recreation areas, frequent activities such as shopping, walking, playing sports, social events and the residences of family members.
3. State the purpose of your investigation. Is it to show that the subject is or is not working, or can or cannot perform physically, emotionally or intellectually? Mercury must know your exact purpose before an investigation begins and that purpose must be within the limits of the law.
4. Describe in detail the scope of the disability involved and what activities or physical functions the subject states, via his claim, sworn deposition or statements to physicians, that he or she cannot perform.
5. Be prepared to be patient. Usually a subject must be kept under surveillance for several full days in order to obtain an adequate result. More than one investigator and special vehicles or cameras may be required. As a trial date nears, the subject is often forewarned that surveillance is a probability. Therefore, early surveillance is the best.
6. Mercury requires an agreement with its clients, in advance, regarding the amount of time to be spent, costs and investigative purpose.
7. Mercury will back up its surveillance and sub rosa work by testifying in Court with detailed records, authenticated video tapes, credibility and experience. Prior expert court testimony accepted by California Superior Courts and Workers Compensation Boards establishes Mercury's expert qualifications.
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