When Should You Hire a Private Investigator?

Knowing when to hire a private investigator can make the difference between winning and losing a case, recovering assets, or simply getting the answers you need. Many people wait too long. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and opportunities to document critical information slip away.

When You're Involved in a Legal Dispute

Attorneys are the single largest source of PI referrals, and for good reason. Whether you're a plaintiff or defendant, a licensed investigator can:

Locate and interview witnesses before their memories fade

Document the scene of an accident or incident

Conduct surveillance to verify or challenge claims

Perform background checks on opposing parties or witnesses

Gather evidence that meets court admissibility standards

If you're involved in any kind of litigation (personal injury, civil dispute, custody battle, or criminal defense), the sooner you engage an investigator, the better your position.

Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury is one of the most common reasons to hire a PI. An investigator can:

Document the accident scene before it's altered or repaired

Photograph the plaintiff's or defendant's activities

Verify the extent of claimed injuries through surveillance

Locate witnesses who saw the incident

Investigate the background of the parties involved

In Michigan's no-fault insurance system, PI evidence is often critical in determining the legitimacy and extent of injury claims.

When You're Dealing With an Insurance Claim

Whether you're filing a claim or defending against one, a private investigator provides independent verification that both sides need:

For claimants: An investigator can document evidence supporting your claim, locate witnesses, and ensure your case is well-supported before presenting it to the insurance company

For insurers: PIs verify claim legitimacy through surveillance, background checks, and scene investigation

Insurance companies routinely use private investigators, so if you're filing a significant claim, having your own professional investigation can level the playing field.

When You Suspect Workers Compensation Fraud

Workers compensation fraud costs Michigan employers millions annually. If you suspect an employee is exaggerating or fabricating a workplace injury, a licensed PI can:

Conduct surveillance to document the claimant's actual physical capabilities

Monitor social media activity for inconsistencies

Investigate the circumstances of the reported injury

Provide video evidence that can be used in hearings and proceedings

Even if the claim is legitimate, surveillance helps establish an accurate picture of the claimant's condition.

When You Need to Find Someone

Skip tracing and locating individuals is a core PI service. Common scenarios include:

Finding missing family members or estranged relatives

Locating witnesses for legal proceedings

Finding debtors who owe money

Locating beneficiaries for estate settlement

Finding biological parents or children in adoption cases

Professional investigators use databases, public records, field investigation, and interviewing techniques that go far beyond what you can do with a Google search.

When You Need a Background Check That Matters

Online background check services provide limited, often inaccurate information. A licensed PI provides comprehensive background investigations for:

Pre-employment screening, especially for sensitive positions

Business partnerships: verify the history and reputation of potential partners

Tenant screening: beyond what standard services provide

Personal relationships: when you need to verify someone's claims about their past

Due diligence: for investments, acquisitions, or contracts

A professional background investigation pulls from multiple sources and verifies the accuracy of what's found.

When You're Going Through a Divorce or Custody Dispute

Divorce and custody cases often involve allegations that need proof. A PI can:

Document a spouse's activities, lifestyle, or spending patterns

Verify claims about living conditions relevant to custody

Locate hidden assets

Provide court-admissible evidence of behavior relevant to the proceedings

Having professional, legally gathered evidence is far more effective than trying to collect information yourself and far less likely to create legal problems.

When Evidence Is Time-Sensitive

Timing matters. Evidence degrades over time:

Surveillance video from businesses is typically overwritten within 30 days

Accident scenes are cleaned up, repaired, or altered

Witnesses move, forget details, or become harder to locate

Physical evidence can be destroyed or contaminated

Social media posts are deleted

If you think you might need an investigator, the best time to engage one is now, not after critical evidence has disappeared.

How to Get Started

The first step is always a consultation. A reputable PI firm will:

Listen to your situation and assess whether investigation services are appropriate

Explain what they can and cannot do legally

Outline a proposed approach and estimated costs

Answer your questions about the process, timeline, and expected outcomes

At Priority Investigation, consultations are free and confidential. We'll tell you honestly whether investigation services make sense for your situation, and if they do, we'll explain exactly how we'd approach your case.

Don't wait until evidence disappears. Contact us today to discuss your situation.