When On-The-Job Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Happen, Should You Give Insurers A Recorded Statement?
If you suffer on-the-job injuries in South Florida, expect a call from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer within a few days. They’ll say they only want to ask a few questions or get your side of the story, but what they really want is a recorded statement.
Despite having nothing to hide, giving them one could seriously jeopardize your rights in a claim. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their bottom line and ask questions in a way that may limit your benefits. What you say, as well as how you say it, could be used against you later. Before agreeing to a recorded statement, our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains your rights and the risks.
Why Florida Workers’ Compensation Insurers Ask for Recorded Statements
The Florida workers’ compensation program provides medical care and income-replacement benefits when on-the-job injuries occur in Fort Lauderdale. However, these benefits are administered by insurance companies, whose top priority is protecting their bottom line.
Insurance adjusters look for information to either deny or downplay claims. A recorded statement gives them a chance to:
- Look for inconsistencies in your story.
- Trick you into minimizing your symptoms.
- Create doubt concerning whether you are unable to work.
- Establish a timeline that limits your rights to benefits.
In Florida, you may be required to provide basic information, but you are not required to give a recorded statement on the spot. To protect yourself and your rights in a claim, seek professional legal guidance first.
What to Do If You’re Asked for a Recorded Statement After a Fort Lauderdale Work Injury
If an insurance adjuster calls you asking for a recorded statement, stay calm and avoid saying too much. You don’t want to delay your claim, but you also don’t want to risk it being denied over a misunderstanding or misworded answer. Here’s what to do:
- Avoid speculating about your injury, how it happened, or how it could impact your health.
- Document everything, including who you spoke with and what they asked.
- Do not consent to a recorded statement.
- Ask them to send any questions in writing or schedule a follow-up.
- Get legal guidance right away.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand what you’re required to share and how to respond without hurting your claim. In many cases, we can handle all communications with the insurer, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Insurers Requesting Recorded Statements? Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When on-the-job injuries in Fort Lauderdale happen, one wrong answer in recorded statements can cost you the benefits you need. At The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., we have over 30 years of experience dealing with workers’ compensation insurers in Florida. While you focus on healing, we fight to ensure your medical care, lost income, and other costs are covered.
With offices in Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, and West Palm Beach, we provide personalized service and proven results. Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer to request a consultation.
Sources:
myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/employee/injured-worker-faqs
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.html