In the legal world, winning a case doesn’t just depend on what happens in the courtroom—it often hinges on the preparation that takes place long before trial begins. Attorneys know that having the right facts, people, and evidence can mean the difference between a strong argument and a shaky one. That’s where private investigators step in.
By providing specialized support in areas like skip tracing, witness location, plaintiff development, and evidence gathering, investigators help attorneys build airtight cases and ensure nothing is left to chance.
Skip Tracing: Finding the People Who Don’t Want to Be Found
Not every party involved in a case is eager to cooperate. Defendants may evade service, witnesses may move without leaving a forwarding address, or individuals tied to a case may intentionally keep a low profile. Private investigators use advanced databases, digital footprints, and fieldwork to locate people quickly and legally.
Use Case (Civil Law): In a personal injury lawsuit, a key witness to a car accident moved out of state and stopped responding to calls. An investigator was able to track down their new residence and secure a statement that confirmed liability—helping the attorney secure a favorable settlement.
Witness Location and Verification: More Than Just an Address
Locating a witness is one step, but verifying their identity, background, and reliability is just as important. Attorneys rely on investigators to confirm that a witness is who they claim to be and to uncover any history that might affect credibility in court.
Use Case (Criminal Defense): A defense attorney needed to track down an alibi witness for a client accused of burglary. The investigator not only located the witness but also obtained time-stamped security footage placing them with the defendant at the time of the crime. This evidence was pivotal in having the charges reduced.
Developing and Locating Additional Plaintiffs: Expanding Case Value
One of the most overlooked—but financially impactful—ways investigators support attorneys is by identifying additional plaintiffs with the same fact pattern or cause of action.
For law firms, this can mean a major increase in case value. A single plaintiff might represent a $1 million case—but five plaintiffs with similar claims could elevate that to $5–6 million with minimal added legal work. Investigators use public records, digital data, and industry connections to locate others affected by the same wrongdoing, turning one strong claim into multiple, high-value cases. I
Use Case (Mass Tort/Consumer Protection): An investigator working with a firm on a product liability case discovered four additional consumers who had suffered similar damages. By connecting them to the firm, the case grew in size and leverage—resulting in a significantly higher settlement.
Evidence Gathering: The Foundation of Any Case
Facts win cases, but facts must be documented and admissible. Investigators help by collecting photographs, video surveillance, digital records, and physical documentation that attorneys can use to support their arguments. They know how to preserve a proper chain of custody so the evidence stands up in court.
Use Case (Family Law): In a high-stakes custody battle, suspicions arose about a parent’s fitness to provide a safe environment. A private investigator gathered video evidence of repeated reckless behavior that contradicted the parent’s sworn testimony. The findings influenced the judge’s custody decision in favor of the child’s best interest.
Why Attorneys and Investigators Make Powerful Partners
The partnership between an attorney and a professional investigator is a strategic force multiplier. While the attorney architects the legal framework—crafting strategy and navigating the complexities of the law—the investigator builds the factual foundation upon which that framework rests. They transform theories into evidence. By locating elusive witnesses, uncovering concealed assets, documenting critical events, and identifying previously unknown plaintiffs, investigators provide the irrefutable facts needed to give legal arguments teeth.
This synergy doesn’t just prevent surprises in court; it creates leverage, often compelling favorable settlements and saving clients the immense cost and uncertainty of a trial.
Bottom line: By partnering with private investigators early in the case, attorneys can save time, expand potential recovery, strengthen their arguments, and walk into court with confidence.