You should not tell the insurance company anything after the initial description of the accident. Do not give a recorded statement if you talk to the insurance company to report your accident. This is not a necessary part of the process. In fact, the process starts with telling your employer how the accident happened. Your employer should then report the work accident to their workers’ comp insurance company. You will most likely speak to the insurance adjuster and tell them about your accident. But after you’ve given your initial statement the insurance company may ask you to give a recorded statement. Don’t do it. You’ve done all you need to in terms of reporting the accident to your boss and the insurance company.
You are not required to give the insurance company a recorded statement to receive benefits. Often, the insurance adjuster will tell you that you have to give them a recorded statement if you want to receive benefits. This is not true. The insurance company wants you to give a recorded statement so they can ask you pointed questions that will weaken or irreparably damage your potential claim. Remember, the insurance company’s job is to make as much money as possible. The way they make money is by denying claims. Do not give a recorded statement. Instead, hire an attorney who specializes in Virginia workers’ compensation.
So when the insurance company asks you for a recorded statement, why not say “talk to my lawyer” instead? We can let the insurance company know the information they need to pay your benefits. Don’t take the risk of trusting the insurance company, they’re not looking out for you. Your lawyer is the one who protects your interests.
