Allianz Saves £200,000 After Personal Injury Claim is Dropped
A personal injury claim against a grocery business has been discontinued after investigations revealed evidence contradicting the claimant’s account, resulting in a cost saving of approximately £200,000 for insurer Allianz.
The case, Akram v Fizah Grocers (HG) Limited, involved Mr. Akram, a Manchester-based butcher who alleged he suffered a serious injury to his left arm while working. While the employer did not contest the incident, questions arose regarding the severity of the injuries and their ongoing impact. Allianz, responsible for handling the claim, instructed law firm Keoghs to conduct further investigations due to concerns about the accuracy of the medical and psychiatric evidence submitted.
The investigation included surveillance footage and a review of publicly available online material, which showed the claimant participating in social functions and performing work-related tasks that involved using his left hand. These activities contradicted his claims of limited mobility, psychological distress, and an inability to work or leave home regularly. Keoghs concluded that the evidence obtained did not align with the claimant’s reported condition, leading to the claim being discontinued before trial.
Ben Fletcher, head of counter fraud at Allianz UK, stated that the outcome demonstrated ongoing collaboration with legal partners as part of broader efforts to address suspected fraudulent activity. He noted that Allianz had seen an increase in similar casualty claims over the past two years and continues to invest in tools and processes to identify potentially misleading cases.
Nicola Pennington, an associate in Keoghs’ complex injury team, emphasized the firm’s focus on examining the basis of high-value claims and supporting clients in challenging cases where appropriate. The decision to discontinue the claim avoided an estimated £200,000 in damages, legal costs, and other associated expenses.
This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations in identifying potentially fraudulent claims and the collaborative efforts between insurers and legal firms in addressing such cases.
