When you are injured at work, it is crucial to report the injury to a supervisor immediately and file a claim. Once your claim is filed, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider will investigate the claim to determine if they will accept or deny coverage. Typically, this includes a review of your medical records and a conversation with your employer. However, the adjuster may also wish to talk to you about the claim.
Anything you say during a meeting or conversation with the insurance company can be relevant to your claim. As such, our firm strongly advises you to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney before providing a statement to the adjuster. The adjuster will determine the merit of the claim by asking questions to gather facts and information about the injury. However, anything you say can be used to accept or deny your claim. The adjuster has an interest in limiting coverage wherever possible. Hiring an experienced attorney when meeting with insurance companies during a Fresno workers’ compensation claim is one of the best ways to ensure you receive the benefits you need to move forward.
When an insurance company reaches out to an employee about their work-related injury, it will often want to take a recorded statement. However, injured workers are not obligated to provide a statement if they wish to consult an attorney first.
In taking an employee’s statement, the adjuster will be evaluating a number of factors. For instance, they may be looking to evaluate:
an injured worker must comply with the adjuster to receive benefits, but they can prepare with an attorney in Fresno prior to meeting with insurance companies and providing a statement. Taking the step to consult a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand what to say when the adjuster contacts you and how to protect your rights.
When an injured worker meets with or makes a statement to their employer’s insurance company regarding their work injury, they must be careful about what they say. Otherwise, a worker runs the risk of the insurance company denying the claim or limiting their benefits. For example, an attorney might advise you to be detailed and specific about an injury, symptoms, and how the accident occurred. It can help to give examples of how the injury impacts the worker’s daily life in addition to their job duties.
Another important factor is to be consistent when meeting with insurance companies during a workers’ compensation claim in Fresno. Adjusters often look for inconsistencies in an employee’s statement to deny the claim. An employee who has consistent statements about what happened is credible, and it is harder for the insurance company to deny or reduce the claim.
After a work injury, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, it is advisable not to discuss your claim with an insurance company before consulting an attorney. Remember, the insurance company represents your employer’s interests, which may not always align with yours. A lawyer can meet with insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate a settlement to ensure you are fairly compensated.
If you were hurt on the job, reach out to one of our experienced lawyers to discuss your options. Our attorneys can advise you on how to approach meeting with insurance companies during a Fresno workers’ compensation claim. We represent your interests so that you do not have to deal with the adjuster on your own. To learn more about your rights, contact our office.
