Insurance adjusters who handle workers’ compensation claims are not concerned about the best interests of claimants. Instead, they want the company they are working for to save money and pay out the least amount of compensation possible. If you have a workers’ comp claim, an adjuster may approach you politely at first, so they can get you to accept a lowball settlement offer. Thus, you need to be cautious when you deal with an insurance adjuster. It is often best to have a Richmond workers’ comp lawyer handle talks with them. An experienced attorney knows the common tactics that insurance adjusters employ when dealing with claims. These tactics include the following:
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Having an Investigator Follow You
A workers’ compensation investigator wants to capture photos or video footage showing you taking part in an activity that contradicts your work restrictions. Then, the adjuster will use the evidence the investigator collects to show your dishonesty regarding your disability to your doctor or the Commission. Their scare tactic can include reporting you for fraud. If this occurs to you, do not panic. Your lawyer can determine the evidence’s accuracy.
Don’t Send Your Benefit Check on Time
Any workers’ comp benefits you get will come from your employer’s insurer. While you cannot go to work, you depend on such payments to arrive promptly. Otherwise, you may become stressed, which is what the adjuster wants. Out of desperation, you could accept a lower claim settlement. You can avoid this tactic by consulting with a lawyer.
Offer a Lowball Settlement Amount
The insurance adjuster may make a quick lowball settlement offer, so you won’t have enough time to think about your rights and legal options. A lot of offers include scare tactics like telling you how much time it takes to settle your claim and how your benefits can be delayed.
Additionally, the insurance adjuster may have you read an agreement that does not include vital information. For example, this agreement may calculate your settlement amount using a lower weekly average wage or not provide sufficient wage loss benefits for you. Or they may not include all injured parts of your body from the job-related accident, possibly getting rid of coverage for a lot of medical bills.
Ask You to Sign a Statement
The insurance adjuster may get you to sign a written statement and present this as a step in the claim process. But when you sign this statement, you may admit to some facts that demonstrate your injury isn’t related to your work. Before you sign anything, make sure to have an attorney review it first.