Greensboro is home to several thriving industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation, where workplace injuries can be quite prevalent. When the time comes to file a worker’s compensation claim, knowing what you should not say to a workers’ compensation claims adjuster is crucial. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get workers’ compensation after getting injured or becoming sick due to your workplace.
Considering the amount of time the average American spends at their place of employment, people deserve to work someplace where their safety and health are valued. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, private industry employers in North Carolina reported 68,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. It is also a wise idea to hire a Greensboro worker’s compensation attorney, as they will be able to help you navigate the process.
What Is a Workers’ Compensation Claims Adjuster?
The first thing you need to understand is the role of a workers’ compensation claims adjuster. A workers’ comp claim adjuster is a specialist who is employed by the insurance company. Their job is to evaluate your claim in order to determine how much it will cost the insurance company. The difficult part of their job is that they can often be facing the unwanted pressure of finding ways to decrease the overall cost. Their duties often include the following:
- Investigating your claim
- Recording your statement
- Talking to anyone who may have information about the accident, including witnesses
- Determining whether or not your claim will be accepted
- Coordinating with your doctor(s)
- Approving any necessary medical care
- Determining the overall cost
- Deciding if a settlement is justified
The information they gather helps them determine the validity of your claim and informs their final decision regarding settlements. It can be a difficult process for both you and the adjuster, as it can take time, and your expectations may not align.
What Should I Avoid Saying to a Workers’ Compensation Claims Adjuster?
Due to the nature of the work performed by workers’ compensation claims adjusters, there are certain things you should avoid saying around them. Adjusters are collecting as many details as they can for a case they have already been instructed to be biased about, so it is wise to be careful about what you discuss and how you speak. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when discussing your life and claim with an adjuster:
- Do not give false details. It is easy to think making the story more dramatic may get you more sympathy and, therefore, more workers’ compensation. This is not the case. You do not want to over-complicate your story or set yourself up to contradict previous accounts and/or witness statements. This will lead the adjustor to assume you are a liar, and it will take away from the actual impact of your original claim.
- Do not lie about pre-existing conditions. If your job has aggravated an old injury and made it worse, this is something you can tell the adjuster. If you have a pre-existing condition that is unconnected to the injury from work, there is no reason to discuss this with the adjuster. This will not lead to getting more compensation.
- Do not give unnecessary personal details. Sharing personal details about yourself may feel like harmless small talk, but it can actually work against you if the adjuster decides your personal life could have impacted your workplace injury.
- Do not verbally limit the extent of your injury. You may feel the need to downplay your injury and the impact it has had on your life, but it is better that you vocalize your struggles. If the adjuster does not see how badly this injury has inconvenienced you, they may decide you do not need what your claim is asking for.
- Do not agree to anything without approval from your lawyer. While you are more than welcome to choose to go in a different direction than your lawyer advises, it is usually in your interest to follow what your lawyer says, as their experience and knowledge will inform their guidance and approach to the entire process.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?
A: In North Carolina, the overall cost of a workers’ compensation lawyer varies. The overall price is determined by several factors, including the lawyer you choose and how complex your case is. At M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, we believe in helping you achieve an outcome you feel is worth your time and money.
Q: How Can I Beat a Claims Adjuster?
A: The greatest weapons you have when dealing with a claims adjuster are keeping your composure and hiring a lawyer. Having a lawyer on your side not only helps you prepare a stronger case but also communicates that you are willing to go as far as is needed to get the outcomes you want.
Q: How Can I Get the Most Out of a Workers’ Compensation Settlement?
A: In North Carolina, the way to maximize your workers’ compensation settlement is to follow these steps:
- Make your employer aware that you have been injured or become sick
- Seek medical assistance and keep copies of everything as evidence
- File your worker’s comp claim right away
- Be honest and consistent
- Be cautious about giving medical authorization
- Choose your doctor
- Prep for your independent medical exam
- Look out for recorded statements
Q: Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to File a Claim?
A: While you are legally allowed to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own in North Carolina, you may benefit from the experience, insight, and guidance of a local workers’ compensation lawyer. They will be able to guide you every step of the way, clear up confusion, and help you better ensure your desired outcomes by building a strong case on your behalf.
Get What You Are Owed
Workers’ compensation claims can lead to a difficult legal process, but you do not have to face it alone. The team at M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, is ready to help you build a strong and compelling case, as well as help you handle workers’ compensation claims adjusters. Contact us today for a consultation.