After a workplace injury, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster asking questions about what happened. While it may seem like a routine part of the workers’ compensation process, injured workers should be careful about what they say. Statements made to an insurance adjuster can potentially affect how a workers’ compensation claim is handled.
Understanding how to communicate with insurance companies can help protect your rights and avoid unnecessary complications.
Why Do Insurance Adjusters Ask Questions After a Workplace Injury?
Insurance adjusters investigate workers’ compensation claims on behalf of the insurance company. They may ask about how your injury occurred, your symptoms, your medical treatment, and your ability to work.
Some questions may be straightforward and necessary to process the claim. However, an adjuster’s role is not to provide legal advice or advocate for you. The information you provide may be reviewed when the insurance company makes decisions about your claim.
For this reason, injured workers should answer questions truthfully but avoid guessing, exaggerating, minimizing their injuries, or providing unnecessary information.
Can Something You Say Hurt Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Potentially. Even an innocent statement can be taken out of context or used to raise questions about your injury.
For example, saying that you are “feeling better” during a conversation does not necessarily mean you are ready to return to work. Similarly, estimating when you believe you can return to work could conflict with your doctor’s restrictions or medical records.
You should also avoid speculating about details you do not remember. If you are unsure about something, it is generally better to say that you do not remember rather than provide an inaccurate answer.
What Should You Avoid Saying to an Insurance Adjuster?
When discussing your claim, be cautious about making statements that could create confusion about the severity or cause of your injury. Avoid:
- Guessing about how or when an injury occurred
- Downplaying your pain or limitations
- Speculating about your ability to return to work
- Providing opinions about medical conditions you do not understand
- Discussing unrelated medical history unless it is relevant and requested
- Saying you are completely recovered when you are still experiencing symptoms
- Agreeing to a settlement before understanding your rights
You should also keep copies of important documents related to your injury, medical treatment, work restrictions, and communications with the insurance company.
When Should You Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
You do not necessarily have to wait until your claim is denied before speaking with an attorney. In fact, consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer early may help you understand your rights and how to handle communications with the insurance company.
Legal guidance can be particularly important if the insurance company disputes your injury, your benefits have been delayed or denied, you are being pressured to return to work, or you are asked to provide a recorded statement or sign documents you do not understand.
A workers’ compensation attorney can review the circumstances of your injury, explain the claims process, and help you determine how to respond to insurance company requests.
Protect Your Rights After a Workplace Injury
Talking to an insurance adjuster does not have to be intimidating, but injured workers should understand that what they say matters. Be truthful, stick to the facts, avoid speculation, and do not agree to anything you do not fully understand.
If you have been injured at work in Georgia and have questions about your workers’ compensation claim, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your options before you make decisions that could affect your benefits. Contact Hollington Brown LLP today to schedule your free consultation.