Should I Speak To The Insurance Company About My Injury?
Not all injuries on the job are covered. They may be denied based on many reasons including:
- How the injury occurred;
- Where and when the injury happenned; or
- Your past injuries;
Therefore, the adjuster will often phrase their questions in a manner in which you are encouraged to provide only the facts which hurt your claim. Any failure by you to word your version of events accurately and completely will be used against you. This is why the adjuster will often ask permission to record their conversation with you. Recording your statements does not benefit you - only the insurance company!
Even if the insurance company has accepted your claim you still should not speak directly with the adjuster. This is for several reasons:
- Anything you say may be used against you,
- You may inadvertently provide information that the adjuster has no legal right to know; or
- When you are the victim of an injury it is very difficult to maintain objectivity and respect. However, your failure to do so may well cause the adjuster to look for ways to deny you benefits!
The bottom line is that the insurance company and you generally have opposite interests. You want to be treated fairly and with dignity and respect. The insurance company has only one main interest - to reduce the amount your claim will cost them. We seriously doubt that you would play poker without knowing the rules before the cards are dealt and the betting begins. Therefore, since your Workers' Compensation claim often involves the highest stakes, you should never risk any conversation with the insurance adjuster! They know the rules - you do not!
Frequently Asked District of Columbia Workers' Compensation Questions
- Is my injury covered under D.C. Worker's Compensation law?
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- Who are the people involved in a D.C. Workers' Compensation claim?
- Should I speak to the insurance company about my injury?
- What benefits are available to me under D.C.law?
- How do my prior injuries affect my claim?
- Can I re-open my case if my condition gets worse?
- How does my attorney get paid?
- Can I be re-imbursed for my travel expenses and Prescriptions?
- What are the payment rates for temporary total and permanent disability?
- What should I do when I am asked to see the insurance company's doctor?
- What if I am injured because of the negligence of someone other than my employer?