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What Should I Not Say to My Workers' Comp Adjuster?
When people are preparing to talk to an adjuster, they might wonder about everything they should or should not say to benefit their case of workers’ compensation in Des Moines, IA.
That is essential information to understand because one wrong answer might harm their case, lower their settlement, and give them certain outcomes they do not want. Therefore, they should consider the following professional suggestions from Des Moines workers comp lawyers to know what they should avoid.
People Should Refrain from Getting Conversational
Sometimes, the adjuster might try to make them comfortable by engaging in casual conversation. Many people start the process feeling tense or scared, so they try to make things easier.
However, some adjusters take advantage of that to get information that they should not give away. As a general rule, they should not discuss many details. They should only give specific facts about the accident.
The Person Should Try to Not Speculate about What Occurred
They should never give opinions about what happened or speculate on things they don’t know for a fact.
Even though they should always tell the truth, they shouldn't say things they don't know for sure. When they speculate on aspects of their case, they might seriously damage it. For example, the adjuster might use the information to say that they changed their story.
If they're not sure about a question they're being asked, then they can politely decline to answer it. They don’t need to answer anything that might lead them to damage their case.
People Should Not Answer Off-Topic Questions
Some adjusters might try to use a very specific strategy to get details out of the individual, and that's asking questions that are not necessarily related to their case.
For example, they might start asking about the person's family or monetary situation. However, you shouldn't answer any of that.
People should only answer questions related to their case. That's what can guarantee that they don't give information the adjuster uses to harm them.
They Should Not Accept the First Option
In many cases, adjusters might try to convince the individual to accept a settlement offer. That can happen very quickly.
If the person doesn't have any experience in that sort of process, they may be tempted to accept. However, they might miss getting a better deal.
Settlement offers should always be evaluated by personal injury attorneys. They have the necessary knowledge and experience to determine if it's a good deal or if it needs certain adjustments.
Accepting the first settlement option the adjusters offer is a risk because if it's not a good deal, the person loses the chance of getting something better. Thus, they should talk to their personal injury attorney, so they determine what's best for their case of workers’ compensation in Des Moines, IA.
The Person Should Avoid Excluding Certain Body Parts
Suppose that someone was in an accident and their injury is located on their lower back. When they talk to the adjuster, they mention only that. However, they don't tell them that the damage also makes them feel pain in the legs and tingling in their feet, and that seriously hinders their ability to walk.
When the person is discussing their injuries, they should be as inclusive as possible. They shouldn't exclude body parts that were also damaged, even if they're not the source of the problem.
Therefore, when they ask about the injuries, they should explain all the facts. They can tell the adjuster the source of the problem but also other things that might be affecting them as a consequence of it.
No One is Obliged to Agree to a Recorded Conversation
Under no circumstance people are obliged to agree to a recorded conversation. Most adjusters might ask the person to see if they accept, but it's not their legal obligation.
Unfortunately, many adjusters try to get them to agree because if they record the person, they can use that against them in the future. They might try to make people change their story so they can harm the case.
Even the smallest difference can raise doubts about the credibility of someone's story. Thus, politely declining the adjuster's offer to record is very wise.
Key Takeaways
Talking to an adjuster can be a mined field if the person doesn’t know what things to avoid. However, if they understand what they should say and what they shouldn't, they can work on the case with their personal injury attorney to get the best settlement offer. The case of workers’ compensation in Des Moines, IA, can go smoothly if they do the right things.