How To Deal With Workers’ Compensation Insurance Adjusters
If you have suffered an injury at work and have filed a workers’ compensation claim, you will likely hear from an insurance adjuster soon, if you still haven’t. Workers’ compensation insurance adjusters are responsible for facilitating and coordinating injured employees’ workers’ compensation claims. While an insurance adjuster can be helpful, the truth is that they are not entirely on your side. Adjusters are focused on protecting the interests of their employers. Their goal is to make sure that while your claim is handled as per the state’s workers’ compensation laws, the insurance company saves as much money as possible. Understanding how to deal with workers’ compensation insurance adjusters is crucial to ensuring you protect your rights.
Tactics Workers’ Compensation Insurance Adjusters May Use
While a workers’ comp insurance adjuster might present themselves as helpful or even friendly, you need to know that they are not on your side. The adjuster works for the insurance company, not you. They are not there to ensure you receive fair compensation. Often, their goal is to limit the amount the insurance has to pay. This means that an adjuster may employ tactics to deny your claim or reduce your benefits. Understanding these tactics can help you protect yourself.
The following are some of the tactics workers’ compensation insurance adjusters may use;
- Downplaying Your Injury
An adjuster may argue that your injury is not as severe as you claim. They might suggest that you can return to work sooner than your treating doctor recommends or that your pain is unrelated to your work incident. This may be them trying to reduce or terminate your medical coverage or wage replacement benefits.
- Asking for a Recorded Statement
Most insurance adjusters ask for a recorded statement immediately after an injured worker files a workers’ compensation claim. You are not required to give a recorded statement, but some workers do so because the adjuster has requested it. Sometimes, adjusters twist employees’ words and use them against them.
- Delaying Your Claim
Another common tactic workers’ compensation insurance adjusters use is delaying claims. An adjuster may delay processing paperwork, authorizing treatment, or approving benefits. Usually, the goal is to frustrate you or get you desperate enough to settle quickly, even if the settlement is not sufficient to cover your losses.
- Making Quick Settlement Offers
An adjuster may offer a settlement soon after you file your workers’ comp claim. While settling quickly may seem appealing, quick offers are usually less than what your claim is actually worth, especially if you are still receiving treatment. You need to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling your claim. MMI is when you have reached a point where your condition is unlikely to change even with further treatment.
Dealing With Insurance Adjusters
Here is how to protect yourself when dealing with a workers’ compensation insurance adjuster;
- Stick to the facts when answering questions. Don’t guess, speculate, or offer information you haven’t been asked for.
- Avoid giving recorded statements without consulting an attorney.
- Maintain detailed records of every interaction with the insurance adjuster.
- Get written documentation from your doctor about your restrictions and when you can return to work
- Don’t accept a settlement offer before consulting an attorney
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC can help you deal with the workers’ compensation insurance adjuster and receive the benefits you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
