RAS Uncovers Fraud in an Employment Litigation Suit for Large ClientEmployment Litigation Investigation Services
For a large and high-profile organization, a sexual harassment claim developed into a complex fraud case with an investment into employment litigation investigation services.
Employment litigation cases can result in fines, damages and a negative impact on reputation. The client in this matter, a high profile business, sought the assistance of RAS to uncover information to aid in the resolution of a case that could be highly embarrassing and expensive.
Although the nature of the case was sensitive, the investigation revealed information which would later discredit both the plaintiff and her allegations, as well as the key witness, thus resolving the matter.
Challenge
The client approached RAS when an employment suit was filed against the client and a key executive within the company. The specific claims were a cause of concern to the organization, who worked hard to build a respected reputation amongst their clients and in their community.
In order to handle the claims of the former employee appropriately, the business wanted to ensure that they were armed with as much information as possible. The work tasked to RAS addressed several critical issues:
- Information Recovery
Computer records, social media, data, records and interviews were a few of the collection efforts that were required to complete the work.
- Court Preparation
Collected information needed to create a coherent narrative of the events through the eyes of the data. In preparing for court, RAS used appropriate measures, including electronic data collection techniques to prepare information for court, working alongside counsel.
- Avoid disruption of the current culture
Employment litigation events are sensitive topics in a workplace where employees have relationships. RAS needed to delicately and responsibly manage the workplace environment, as to not create additional challenges for the client or current employees.
Solution
The solution RAS Consulting & Investigations came up with combined digital forensics, employee interviews and obtaining information directly from Facebook’s server logs.
When talking to current employees and conducting an investigation within an active workplace, it’s important that RAS conduct itself in such a manner so as to not impact ongoing operations.
Through detailed investigation and professional interactions, RAS was able to obtain an impactful body of data that changed the case, while supporting efforts to maintain stability of the company culture.
Results
The plaintiff’s case was built on misinformation and fraudulent actions that were discovered by RAS.
Because of the investigative work performed, it was revealed that the case against the client was an act of fraud, verified by information discovered through computer forensics, electronic research, and in-person interviews. This crucial data not only allowed the client to protect themselves in the case filed against them..
Below is a chart provided by the EEOC that outlines all charges alleging harassment filed from FY 2010- FY2016
As demonstrated by this data, $125M in monetary benefits were paid out by U.S. companies in 2016. These figures only represent harassment claims and not other violations protected by the EEOC such as discrimination. As a business, it is essential to understand your options in responding to employee litigation claims and the value of investigation in uncovering discrepancies in claims and ultimately cost and liability savings.
Typically, how you immediately interact with these agencies may start your case off on a good or bad foot.
Like any incident in the workplace, it is important to act immediately to employment claims.
Engaging legal counsel and an investigator early-on may eliminate need for litigation entirely.
RAS did a fantastic of job of guiding CLC through the complicated decisions we had to make in order to strike just the right balance, promoting both employee safety and a welcoming work space for our staff and clients. Ryan was quick to respond to all of our questions and delivered exactly what was promised.
