It is not unusual for an insurance adjuster to ask the injured worker, or a witness, for permission to take a recorded statement. A request to take this kind of statement does not mean the claim will or will not be accepted.
If you do give a statement, questions asked may include topics like your job, how the accident occurred, if you had prior medical problems, and so forth. Here are some suggestions to follow if you give a recorded statement:
- Be honest and truthful. This statement may be used against you later on (if you are dishonest).
- Do not guess. If you don’t know the answer, say that you don’t know or don’t recall. Otherwise, you will be held to your answer.
- You only have to answer the question. You do not have to give more information than asked for.
You do not have to agree to give a recorded statement in order to receive worker’s compensation benefits. The statement will likely be taken before any decision is made with regard to the injury claim. It is done as part of the insurance carrier’s investigation into the incident. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a recorded statement for a worker’s compensation case, you should consult a qualified worker’s compensation attorney.