How Would You Like To Pay £40,000 in Legal Fees?
Airey stated he was in pain and had a loss of amenity, among other things. Law firm BLM discovered evidence contradicting these statements on the claimant's social media posts on Facebook and Strava. His social media posts showed evidence that Airey had run 10 miles in an event four weeks before his medical examination; he had completed a 100-kilometre cycle ride a fortnight before his check-up; 20-mile ride on the day of his appointment, and 102-mile ride several weeks after.
Insurance Fraud
Gross exaggeration of genuine injuries is just one of the many types of fraud that is prevalent in the insurance industry
The fraudulent attempt by Airey would have cost the insurer approximately £145,000. "Gross exaggeration of genuine injuries is just one of the many types of fraud that is prevalent in the insurance industry," stated Jon Radford, a claims manager at QBE's special investigations unit.
Edward Smethurst, an associate at BLM, stated "This is another lesson to fraudulent injury claimants and practitioners alike as to the importance of a claimant's social media presence. Although fault for the traffic collision was not contested, claiming an impaired ability to run or cycle while posting significant evidence to the contrary online will come back to bite you."
The £40,000 legal costs may not be the entire outcome of Mr Airey's fraudulent activity. Further consequences may come to light in the future. His job prospects may also be affected.
Reporting insurance fraud
Suspect someone of insurance fraud? Then you should report them to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) Cheatline or by filling out a form on the IFB website.
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