When you’re injured in a workplace accident, the workers’ compensation insurance company is going to want to be sure your injuries are as serious as you say they are. The insurance adjuster may conduct an investigation, and often has a month or more to do so. During this time, he or she may become overzealous in trying to determine whether you are faking the injury or making it sound worse than it actually is. The following are some things you should know to protect yourself in this situation.
You Don’t Have to Talk to Them
If someone from the workers’ compensation insurance company contacts you, there’s no reason you have to engage in a conversation. You can inform the insurer you were injured, but it can stop there. You already filed the claim, which included all the details of your accident, and there’s nothing more you’ll need to discuss with the insurer. If an insurance adjuster keeps bothering you, you can get your lawyer involved.
The Insurer Can Follow You
Perhaps you’ve noticed someone following you, taking pictures while you’re outside or speaking with your neighbors. This is legal, although it can be frustrating. It’s simply the insurer trying to find evidence that your injuries aren’t as severe and costly as they may initially seem. You need to be very careful so as not to give the insurance company reason to deny your claim. Some things you should do to protect yourself include:
- Speaking with your neighbors. Let them know you’re in the middle of a workers’ compensation claim and ask them to protect your privacy.
- Keeping a low profile. Anything you do can be used against you. If you’re out partying it up every weekend, the insurance company could use that as evidence you’re not actually injured. Even if you just go out with the family for a calm evening stroll, you could look as though you’re just fine. Keep a low profile and be very careful about where you go and what you do.
- Attending all your appointments. It’s true the insurer might follow you to and from appointments, but it’s still important you attend all of them. Missing appointments could give the impression you’re just fine or are not heeding the medical professionals’ instructions.
- Refraining from social media. Double check the privacy settings on your social media accounts and refrain from being too active online. Even the simplest comment could get twisted into “showing” you aren’t injured as you say.
Contact a Lawyer When You Need Help
It’s always a good idea to have a lawyer by your side when you’re dealing with a workplace injury. Whether the insurance company has crossed a line or you simply want someone on your side, contact work injury attorneys, like from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., when you need help.
