How to Deal With Workers’ Comp Insurance Adjusters

If you were injured at work, your employer and their insurance company are legally obligated to help you with the unforeseen expenses that come along with the injury. Workers’ comp benefits cover medical bills and lost wages if your workplace accident requires you to miss days at work. While workers’ comp law is designed to protect  workers and employers, things can often be missed.

If you need help with workers’ comp law and compensation benefits, or if you need help filing a personal injury claim on top of workers’ comp, reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Munley Law. Our lawyers will make sure you receive the workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to following a work-related injury.

What Is a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Claims Adjuster?

Workers’ compensation claim adjusters are employees of the insurance company. Adjusters are sometimes referred to as case managers or claim managers. They coordinate the injured employee’s workers’ comp claim. They will manage your claim for as long as it is open with the insurance carrier.

What Does a Workers’ Comp Insurance Adjuster Do?

Workers’ comp adjusters will set up appointments and check on your recovery progress. They communicate via phone calls, emails, and even formal letters while you’re receiving workers’ compensation.

Throughout the workers’ compensation claims process, it’s very important for you to remember that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. That means, their job is to save money for the insurance company. They are not there to make sure you receive fair compensation for your workplace injury.

Tactics Some Adjusters May Use

A workers’ compensation claims adjuster may use deliberate tactics to minimize your workers’ comp benefits. They might downplay the severity of your injuries, question your credibility, or suggest that you should return to work too soon after the work-related accident. Some adjusters may also attempt to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement offer without fully understanding the long-term implications of your injuries.

Offering a quick settlement

We understand how quickly medical bills pile up. We know how scary it is to miss a paycheck because you can’t return to work. However, as tempting as a quick settlement can be, you must be cautious of accepting the first workers’ comp settlement offered. Adjusters will offer a lowball settlement to close your case quickly.

Please consult a workers’ compensation attorney before you accept any settlement offer. Discuss with your lawyer the long-term consequences of your injuries and the finances you may need for medical care in the future.

Scheduling an independent medical exam (IME)

In workers’ comp claims, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company may require you to undergo an independent medical exam (IME) that is conducted by a company doctor or a doctor of their choosing. You need to be cooperative during the doctor appointments.

However, you should consult your healthcare provider before the IME to get an exam. That way, your doctor can answer any questions or concerns you have. Your workers’ comp attorney may also use those medical records, medical documentation, and your medical history during negotiations with the employer’s insurance company.

Asking for a recorded statement

Adjusters may request a recorded statement from you. While you are not obligated to provide one, having a clear record of your account of the incident can be helpful.

Do not agree with the recorded statement before getting legal advice from a workers comp lawyer. Make sure you understand your rights and protect your own interests before allowing the insurance adjuster to record a statement.

Disputing your injuries

If the workers’ compensation adjuster disputes the severity of your injuries or claims that your condition has improved, it’s important to be prepared to provide evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements, or expert testimony. This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer who will have access to resources to help build and prove your case

How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters

Dealing with a workplace injury is emotionally overwhelming. You’re in physical pain. You’re uncertain about the future. To top it off, you’ve been hit with a financial burden that you weren’t expecting or preparing for.This time is stressful.

While we deeply understand what you and your family are going through. We also know that you must keep your emotions in check when dealing with a workers’ comp insurance adjuster. Be assertive but respectful. Don’t make hasty decisions or accept a settlement offer without considering all your options. Prepare to provide more documentation than you think is necessary. And do not hesitate to reach out to Munley Law workers’ compensation attorney for advice, guidance, and your legal rights.

Keep detailed records of your treatment and communication

Maintain a meticulous record of all your medical appointments, accident reports, medical treatments, and medications related to your work injury. Make sure to document all your communications with the insurance adjuster, including dates, times, and the substance of your conversations. This documentation can be invaluable in proving your claim and ensuring you receive the appropriate wage loss benefits.

Know your rights as an injured worker

Educate yourself about your rights as an injured worker under your state’s workers’ comp law. Understand the types of benefits you are entitled to, the process for filing a claim, and the deadlines for appealing decisions. Knowing your rights empowers you to advocate for yourself and protect your interests.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney to Represent You

Finally, consider hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to represent you through the claims process. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand your legal options, file the necessary paperwork, build your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and take your case to court, if necessary.

The Munley Law personal injury attorneys have helped hundreds of injured workers collect the workers’ compensation benefits owed to them. Our workers’ compensation attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss how we can help you recover the maximum compensation payout for your work-related accident.