It is not usual for an insurance adjuster to ask the injured worker, or a witness, for permission to take a recorded statement. A request to take such a statement does not mean the claim will or will not be accepted. Likewise, 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 do give a statement, the questions that will be asked may include questions about your job, how the accident occurred, if you had prior medical problems, and so forth. Here are some suggestions to follow if you are giving a recorded statement.
1. Be honest and truthful. This statement may be used against you later on (if you are dishonest).
2. Do not guess. If you do not know the answer, say that you do not know or do not recall. Otherwise, you will be held to your answer.
3. You only have to answer the question. You do not have to give more information than asked for.