Watch Out for These Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Tactics
The right work injury attorney can protect your rights.
Both Massachusetts and Rhode Island have workers’ compensation systems designed to protect injured workers. In theory, this is simple: you’re hurt on the job, you file a claim, and your medical expenses are covered, as are a portion of your lost wages and other benefits if you have a permanent, disabling injury.
In practice, things are rarely that simple. The workers’ comp insurance company, like any other business, is concerned with their bottom line, and they know how to use the system to their advantage. That’s why you need the right workers’ compensation attorney on your side to protect your interests throughout the process.
Some of the insurance companies’ tactics include:
Delay tactics and slow communication
Workers’ comp insurance companies are notorious for taking their time to make a decision on claims. Sometimes, there are legitimate reasons for delays and processing, such as a need for further investigation. But often, they slow the process down as a deliberate tactic to put pressure on the injured worker and discourage them from pursuing their claim.
Fortunately, a workers’ compensation attorney who knows the system and the rules and regulations insurance companies must follow can fight back. We know how to keep your claim moving forward and protect your rights throughout the process.
Questioning the extent of your injuries and disputing medical treatment
Workers’ compensation is supposed to pay for the full cost of reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work injury. This means the insurance company has a strong incentive to question whether treatment is “reasonable and necessary,” especially if you need surgery and other costly procedures.
They may dispute or deny treatment, require you to get a second opinion, or try to argue that your injuries were not work-related and thus not compensable.
The result of these tactics is lengthy delays and a highly frustrating situation when you’re just trying to heal and get back to work. As experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, we understand the rules and regulations surrounding medical treatment for work injuries, and we can push back on the insurance company’s attempts to downplay your injuries.
Asking for a recorded statement
An insurance adjuster or case manager may ask you to provide a recorded statement about your work injury, implying that it’s a necessary step to move your claim forward. Here’s what you need to know: any recording can be taken out of context and used against you. Plus, you only have one chance to get it right, and it’s easy to get tripped up.
If the insurance company asks you to give a recorded statement, it’s best to politely decline until you have a chance to discuss with your attorney. We can advise you on the best way to proceed and help you craft a statement that accurately tells your side of the story.
Talk to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney today
Remember, the workers’ compensation insurance companies have attorneys on their side. Their goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. The only way to level the playing field is to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer who knows the system and will advocate for your interests from start to finish.
If you’ve been hurt on the job in Rhode Island or southeastern Massachusetts, you don’t have to deal with the insurance company on your own. Contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl for a free consultation.