Although it feels tedious and draining, there are several hoops that every person must jump through when going through the workers’ compensation process. If you want your injuries and lost wages covered, you are required to navigate your way through. As a matter of fact, how you handle these instances can be the difference between a fair settlement or one that leaves you dissatisfied. This is also a process that many people in Missouri must go through, as the number of injures experienced in the US increased by 7.5% year-over-year.
For many workers’ compensation claims, the insurance provider will ask the injured person to complete a recorded statement. It is not required in every case, but it is a very common tool insurance providers use to help understand the extent of the person’s injuries. Understanding what you’re facing when asked to make a recorded statement can give you the advantage you need in your work comp case.
What is a Recorded Statement?
Most of the time, an insurance company will perform a recorded statement over the phone. A workers’ compensation adjuster calls the injured party and asks them a series of questions, all of which pertain to the injury and the accident that caused it. This recording is then used as evidence by the insurance company, and it is brought into consideration when determining the severity of your injuries and the benefits you’ll be paid.
What Questions Should I Expect in My Recorded Statement?
There are several questions that the interviewer might ask you once you’re in the phone call. It’s their job to determine what happened and exactly how you’re hurt, so you can expect some of these typical questions during the interview:
- When and where did the incident that injured you occur?
- What were you doing when you were injured?
- Did anyone see you get injured?
- Have you been to the doctor? What have they told you?
- What kind of medical treatment have you been prescribed?
- What is your recovery timeline?
Watch what you say during this interview, especially when answering these questions. How you answer them could be the determining factor for your workers’ compensation benefits.
How Should I Answer These Questions?
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. It is very possible that they could take a response from your recorded statement and use it as justification to diminish your injury and deny your benefits.
Of course, that does not mean you should be dishonest with your adjuster. Instead, you should consciously check that everything you say to the adjuster falls in line with what your doctor has prescribed you and what your workers’ compensation lawyer has advised you to say.
Don’t Have a Work Comp Lawyer? Call Chris Miller
When you’re injured on the job, you deserve to have your medical expenses covered by your employer. Still, you’ll need someone on your side who has years of experience with the workers’ compensation claims process. When the time comes to file your claim, call us at the Law Office of Chris Miller. From start to finish, we can help you get the benefits you need to ensure a swift recovery.