Case Study: The Sunshine State Surprise—Verifying a Million-Dollar Claim from 1,000 Miles Away
How a routine Alive and Well Check in Florida protected a long-term insurance claim and showcased the power of a national investigator network.
The Introduction: A Decades-Old Claim and a Newfound Risk
For over twenty years, a national insurance carrier had been managing a significant claim for a former employee, “Sarah,” who had suffered a debilitating workplace injury. The claim, classified as a Permanent Total Disability (PTD), entitled the individual to a lifetime of benefits. This financial commitment had already run into the high six figures and was projected to exceed a million dollars over its lifespan. The case was legitimate, and the carrier was committed to honoring its obligation. However, a recent change in Sarah’s circumstances raised a red flag: she had moved from the Midwest to a quiet, rural corner of Florida.
This move, coupled with the sheer financial weight of the claim, prompted the carrier to initiate a standard but critical procedure: an Alive and Well Check. They needed to verify Sarah was still living, document her current health status, and ensure the integrity of the claim. The challenge? Their trusted investigators were in Ohio, and they needed eyes on the ground in Florida, fast. They needed a firm with a national reach and a reputation for professionalism. They called Gravitas Investigations.
The Investigation: Expertise Across State Lines
While Gravitas Investigations has built its reputation as a leading private investigator in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, our network and capabilities extend nationwide. This case was a perfect example of our ability to manage complex investigations anywhere in the country. Upon receiving the assignment, our first step was to leverage our network to find, vet, and direct a top-tier licensed private investigator in Florida who could act as our local operative.
Once our Florida partner was in place, the investigation began with a confirmation of Sarah’s new address and provided valuable context about her life in Florida, all while adhering to strict legal and ethical guidelines.
The primary objective, however, was the in-person meeting. In cases of long-term disability, especially those not involving suspected insurance fraud, the approach must be handled with sensitivity and professionalism. This isn’t about catching someone in a lie; it’s about fulfilling a crucial due diligence requirement for the client. Our Florida investigator, directed by the Gravitas case manager, was instructed to conduct the visit with the utmost respect.
The Breakthrough: A Conversation, Not a Confrontation
The investigator arrived at Sarah’s rural Florida home, a modest manufactured house set back from the road. He was greeted at the door by Sarah herself. She was wearing a neck brace and moved with the careful, deliberate pace of someone managing chronic pain—her condition appeared consistent with her two-decade-old injury.
This is where professionalism is paramount. The “breakthrough” wasn’t a dramatic “gotcha” moment, but a quiet, successful interaction. The investigator clearly identified himself, explained the purpose of his visit in a non-threatening manner, and respectfully asked for her cooperation.
Sarah, understanding the nature of insurance claims, was compliant and pleasant. She provided her driver’s license to confirm her identity and consented to a current photograph. She answered a structured questionnaire about her health, her daily activities, and her ongoing medical treatments. She explained a recent surgery that had actually improved some of her symptoms, a detail of significant value to the insurance carrier. The entire exchange was a conversation, not an interrogation. The investigator left the property having achieved every objective without causing the claimant distress.
The Outcome: Certainty, Compliance, and Client Confidence
Within 24 hours, the Florida investigator’s report and photographs were securely transmitted to the Gravitas Investigations headquarters in Ohio. Our team analyzed the findings, compiled a comprehensive report, and delivered it to the insurance carrier.
The outcome was a resounding success:
- Verification and Peace of Mind: The client received indisputable proof that the claimant was alive and that her physical condition was consistent with the long-standing claim. This documentation was vital for their compliance and auditing requirements.
- Demonstrated National Reach: Gravitas proved its ability to seamlessly manage an investigation a thousand miles away, providing the client with a single point of contact and the assurance of quality control.
- Protection of a Million-Dollar Claim: By conducting this routine check, the carrier protected the integrity of a high-value claim, mitigating risk and ensuring their records were accurate and up-to-date.
This case highlights that not every investigation is about uncovering fraud. Sometimes, it’s about confirming the truth. Whether it’s a complex workplace investigation, a discreet asset search, or a sensitive Alive and Well Check, the goal is always to provide our clients with certainty and actionable intelligence.
