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 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:
- Be honest and truthful. This statement may be used against you later on (if you are dishonest).
- 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.
- You only have to answer the question. You do not have to give more information than asked for.
Before giving a recorded statement, it is wise to have an outline ready with the facts of your claim. Go over the details of the accident and the events that led up to it. You can also note the effects it’s had on your life and the treatment you’ve received up to this point. This will keep you on track during the statement. Remember to stick to the facts, do not stray.
If you’d like the advice and guidance of an attorney before giving a recorded statement, contact the attorneys at Klezmer Maudlin at 317.569.9644.