Of all the tricks the insurance companies use to deny claims, discredit injured workers and reduce benefits, this can be one of the most frustrating. Imagine getting a serious injury on the job and then seeing that the insurance company listed it as a minor strain.
There are a few reasons why the insurance company wants to downplay your injury. It all comes down to money and the amount that they have to pay you in benefits. If your injury is minor, it will cost them less. And if your injury is minor, you can make a full recovery (at least on paper). So this trick allows them to handle your claim cheaply and close your file quickly.
Unfortunately, this trick works and people who are seriously injured end up getting cheated out of benefits that they need. The insurance companies are pretty good at appearing to be on your side. They’ll call you up to see how you’re feeling, etc. For someone who has never dealt with workers’ compensation before (which is most people), it may seem like things are going well.
If you have an attorney, on the other hand, you are more likely to get full benefits. First of all, an attorney who has experience with Illinois work injury cases and workers’ compensation knows what the insurance company is trying to do, and they know how to push back. Second, insurance companies often treat you differently if you are represented by an attorney. In our experience, you’re less likely to get a very low settlement offer if you have an attorney with a good reputation. It might still be low, but the insurer knows it can’t completely take advantage of you.
If you see that your employer’s insurance company has listed your injury as something that it’s not, don’t assume that’s just how the system works. Seek help from an attorney and get your real injury recognized.
We are workers’ compensation attorneys who help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.