Forensic Gait Analysis of Surveillance Video in Injury and Workers’ Comp Cases.
Are the reported injuries and limitations consistent with what the footage reflects?
Surveillance footage is evidence — and like all evidence, it can be misread by either side. Dr. Michael S. Nirenberg, a board-certified forensic podiatrist, may analyze how a claimant walks, stands, lifts, climbs, or bears weight, and compares the footage against the reported injury and limitations, using methods appropriate to the footage and the questions presented.
Retained by attorneys, the methodology is identical regardless of which side has retained the work. The opinion follows the evidence, which is what allows the analysis to withstand scrutiny.
About the Expert
Forensic experience trusted by attorneys, the Department of Justice, and law enforcement.
- Expert assistance provided to the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies, and attorneys representing plaintiffs, defendants, and insurers
- 33+ years in practice
- Board-certified in Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery, American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry
- Co-editor of “Forensic Gait Analysis: Principles and Practice,” Taylor & Francis CRC Press
- Over 50 publications; editor for JAPMA and Science & Justice
- 100+ educational presentations to forensic experts, law enforcement, physicians, medical assistants and the public
Three things video may reveal when read by a qualified expert.
Gait is the manner of walking, stepping, weight-bearing, and carriage. It can carry biomechanical characteristics that are difficult to reproduce voluntarily and equally difficult to interpret accurately without specialized training. A forensic podiatrist can assess whether surveillance footage appears consistent with the medical record, appears to contradict it, or has been mischaracterized.
What the record reflected. What the video shows.
Surveillance may reveal exaggeration. It may also be cherry-picked, taken out of context, or read by a non-expert as proof of function the footage does not demonstrate. Analysis may assist in distinguishing the two.
Examples from real matters
Built to withstand challenge — from either side.
Analyses are documented and, where applicable, anchored in the medical record and the peer-reviewed literature.
Retained by attorneys on either side of the same methodology.
When the footage appears to support the claimant
Supporting genuine injury.
- Rebuttal of investigator reports that overstate or mischaracterize the footage
- Identification of antalgic gait, compensatory movement, and pain behaviors visible on video
- Context-restoration for clips presented out of duration, distance, or environmental context
- Response to opposing gait, biomechanical, or surveillance-based expert opinions
When the footage appears to contradict the claim
Documenting inconsistency.
- Independent expert opinion to support IME conclusions or rebut treating-physician findings
- Frame-by-frame documentation suitable for motion practice and trial exhibits
- Cross-referencing of surveillance to deposition testimony and medical records
- Referrals on suspected malingering or material misrepresentation
Where surveillance gait analysis makes a difference.
Workers’ Compensation
Disputed lower-extremity injuries, CRPS/RSD claims, permanency and restriction disputes, return-to-work determinations, IME corroboration, and IME rebuttal.
Personal Injury & Auto
MVA cases involving foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back injuries where surveillance has been obtained and the extent of impairment is contested by either side.
Premises Liability & Slip and Fall
Cases where claimed gait impairment, balance problems, or post-fall limitations are either supported or appear inconsistent with documented activity on video.
Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
Disability claim investigations and appeals where surveillance behavior is being weighed against reported functional capacity and treating physician opinions.
SIU & Fraud Investigations
Insurance Special Investigations Unit referrals requiring a credentialed expert opinion before a denial, referral, or fraud action — and rebuttal of the same.
Social Security & Veterans’ Disability
Administrative hearings and appeals where gait, weight-bearing, and functional limitations are central to the disability determination.
RETAIN THE EXPERT
Send the footage. We’ll tell you what it shows.
