Let’s look at a few example scenarios that show just how high the price of missed clues can be—and how thorough canvassing changes outcomes.
Case Example 1: Medical Canvassing Finds a Pre-Existing Condition
A claimant in a personal injury lawsuit alleged severe back pain following an auto accident. Their medical records, provided by the plaintiff, pointed to new and debilitating injuries. The initial canvassing effort, however, was limited to disclosed providers.
When the carrier authorized a more comprehensive medical canvass, investigators discovered records from a chiropractic clinic in another city. Those records revealed the claimant had received treatment for back pain long before the accident.
This finding completely changed the trajectory of the case. Instead of accepting liability for a “new” injury, the defense was able to show a documented pre-existing condition. The revised settlement was a fraction of the original demand—saving the insurer hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Case Example 2: Social Canvassing Reveals the Hidden Lifestyle in a Bodily Injury Claim
In a workers’ compensation case, a claimant maintained that a shoulder injury left them unable to perform routine daily activities and enjoy recreational ones. The medical documentation aligned with their testimony, and the case was on track for significant long-term benefits.
But a thorough social canvass painted a different picture. Investigators uncovered online photos and league rosters showing the claimant actively competing in weekend recreational sports during the recovery period. This evidence contradicted the claimed limitations and cast doubt on the overall credibility of the injury report.
Armed with this information, the insurer was able to challenge the claim and avoid years of unwarranted payouts.
Case Example 3: Medical Canvassing Exposes the Claimant’s Medical Treatment History and Pharmacy Trail
A workplace injury claim seemed straightforward: a back injury on the job, followed by treatment and pain management. The claimant’s disclosed providers confirmed the timeline. Early canvassing, limited to hospital and orthopedic clinics, found nothing unusual.
However, when investigators expanded the medical canvass to include pharmacies, a different story emerged. Prescription records showed that the claimant had been filling opioid prescriptions months before the alleged workplace incident. This contradicted the reported timeline and supported the argument that the “new” injury was not entirely work-related.
Without the pharmacy records, the insurer might have accepted ongoing liability. With them, the case outcome shifted significantly in the carrier’s favor.
Case Example 4: Social Canvassing Fills the Database Gap with Unreported Medical Treatment
In a bodily injury claim, the claimant insisted they could not return to work or participate in any strenuous activity. Their medical documentation backed this claim, and surveillance had been inconclusive.
A social canvass, however, uncovered frequent online activity showing the claimant traveling extensively and even posting about long hikes during the same period. This digital footprint provided the defense with powerful, verifiable evidence that the reported limitations were exaggerated.
Instead of negotiating from a position of weakness, the defense leveraged these findings to push for a much more favorable resolution.
Why an In Depth Search and Comprehensive Canvassing Matter
These examples all point to the same truth: incomplete canvassing leaves gaps that can dramatically alter case outcomes.
At INTERTEL, our comprehensive medical canvassing process begins with submitting a request to review a claimant’s treatment history. Our team conducts a targeted search for medical facilities, physical therapy clinics, and other medical providers within a specified radius to identify both previously disclosed and undisclosed treatment sources.
We’ve seen firsthand how comprehensive canvassing transforms investigations. By delivering thorough, accurate, and timely intelligence, we can help carriers, law firms, and investigators avoid the costly consequences of missed clues. Our clients gain the clarity and confidence needed to challenge questionable claims, validate legitimate ones, and achieve better outcomes.
In claims and litigation, missed details aren’t just oversights—they’re expensive mistakes.
Learn more about our comprehensive canvassing options here.
