Meeting with Insurance Companies During a Glendale Workers’ Compensation Claim

While the basic rules for workers’ compensation are outlined in state law, work injury claims often lead to a negotiation between the injured worker and their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider. Pursuing the benefits you need through workers’ compensation requires proving that you are entitled to them under state law and the specific terms of your employer’s policy.

As anyone who has pursued this type of claim can tell you, insurance providers are for-profit companies that prioritize their own financial gain, often trying to deny benefits or minimize their liability. This is why it is essential to understand what to expect when meeting with insurance companies during a Glendale workers’ compensation claim. An expert workers’ compensation attorney could guide you through this process and advocate on your behalf during negotiations to secure the benefits you deserve.

What Is a Workers’ Compensation Deposition?

After you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits due to a work-related injury or illness, the insurance company will investigate your claim and review the evidence you submitted to decide whether to grant you benefits. As part of this process, the insurance company may ask you to participate in a “deposition,” which is a meeting between you, an insurance representative, and a court reporter who will record everything discussed.

During the deposition, the insurance representative will ask you how your injury or illness occurred, what specific work conditions led to it, and what harm you have sustained. You will be under oath to ensure that you respond accurately and truthfully. Knowingly providing false or misleading information constitutes perjury and could lead to criminal charges.

To avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your case, it is crucial to seek the help of expert legal counsel in Glendale when meeting with insurance companies during a workers’ compensation claim.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

Unfortunately, whether you are talking to them over the phone, on Zoom, or in person, you cannot trust that the insurance company will act in good faith or have your best interests at heart. Some common tactics insurance companies use to delay or deny a Glendale workers’ compensation claim during a meeting with a claimant include:

• Contesting the disability rating given by your treating physician(s)
• Claiming your injury was not “work-related” based on their definition
• Arguing that certain types of medical care are not “reasonably necessary”
• Asking for recorded statements and using poorly worded responses against you
• Intentionally delaying responses to claims or queries from claimants, sometimes in violation of state law

A knowledgeable lawyer could help you navigate obstacles like these and work to secure the best possible outcome for your claim.

Talk to a Glendale Attorney Before Meeting With Insurance Companies During a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be stressful under any circumstances, and negotiating for benefits with insurance providers may be even more difficult. Retaining the diligent workers’ compensation lawyers at Glauber Berenson Vego could significantly improve your chances of achieving a favorable result.

It is critical to enlist the help of an attorney before meeting with insurance companies during a Glendale workers’ compensation claim. Reach out to our office today for more information.