If you have had an injury at work, you will understand how it changes your whole life. Not only does if affect your ability to pay your monthly expenses, it changes your ability to get comfortable and relax, your normal leisure activities, and even your personal relationships.

The insurance companies know this. They will use this knowledge to their advantage. Imagine that you suffered an injury two weeks ago. At first you thought that it would get better after a couples of days of rest. But, if anything, it has gotten worse. Your supervisor treats you like your making a bigger deal out of it than you should. Even your family questions why you can’t just act normal and get over it.

To your surprise, you get a call from an investigator from the insurance company. They want to do a recorded statement about your accident. You think to yourself, “finally an opportunity to explain everything that happened and what I’m going through.”

The recording starts out fine. They let you explain what happened and the treatment that you are receiving. The investigator slowly starts to change the narrative to any previous accidents that you’ve had, any other medical treatment, personal activities such as sports or adventures, and even your personal relationships.

You might think that it is nice to have someone who is finally listening to you. But it is better to think, why are they doing this? What does your high school football injury have to do with this? You’ve been working full duty for the past three years. Medical treatment for other conditions have nothing to do with this. Again, you were working full duty up until this accident occurred. Finally, your personal relationships have nothing to do with any accident.

Don’t be surprised to see a Pln-11 disputing the extent of your injury because the carrier believes that your problems are related to a previous injury. Or, even an attorney arguing that your disability is not related to your work accident, but to a personal family problem.

Insurance companies are for profit businesses. The more they can discount your claim, the greater their profits are. Many investigators receive bonuses based upon the money they save the insurance company.

Do not allow a recorded statement without someone from your attorney’s office present. This will force the insurance company to stay on topic and prevent them from discovering possible ways to deny your treatment.