Workers Compensation Lawyer in Chicago, Illinois Work Injury Attorney

Recently Tiger Woods got in to a car accident near his home.  He wasn't feeling well enough to give a statement to the police the day it happened, nor the next day, but promised to give one the day after that.  Long story short is that he never gave the police a statement because he didn't have to.  It's not required by law and if he did give one it could have been used to convict him.

Illinois work injuries of course are not criminal cases and unless there was a car accident or fight, you likely won't be talking to the police.  However, you will likely have an insurance adjuster call you, ask you questions and possibly tell you that you need to give a recorded statement.

Don't do it.  There is no requirement that you answer any questions and you especially should not give a recorded statement.  Adjusters are trained to ask questions that could twist your words against you and make a claim that should be compensable end up as denied. 

It's also inappropriate for an insurance representative to try and speak with you when you are under the influence of medication or hospitalized.  Yes, we've actually had clients tell us that while they are laid up in a bed after surgery that an investigator from the insurance company came to see them.  

You have every right to tell those people to leave and every right to decline to give a statement.  Don't let them tell you that you will lose your rights to benefits.  That is false.

 We are workers' compensation attorneys that 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.

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If you read this blog you will see over and over that we preach if you are honest your case will work out just fine.  That said, you can be honest and still hurt your case.  Here are five examples from recent cases where a legitimately injured worker didn't help themselves:

1. Stop smoking.  If your doctor tells you to quit smoking and your failure to do so makes it harder for you to recover, don't be surprised if the insurance company tries to end your benefits.  Smoking hurts circulation which can make it harder for a surgery like a lumbar fusion to work.

2. Cooperate with vocational rehabilitation.  If your employer can't provide you a job and you have restrictions, they have to work with you to find a new job.  Sometimes this can be a tedious process.  You might have been a laborer your whole life and now they want you to work on a computer.  Give it your best.  Failure to do so could cost you tens of thousands in the long run.

3. Don't miss doctor's appointments including physical therapy.  Like the smoking example, this could be seen as not cooperating with reasonable medical advice and could cause your benefits to be suspended.

4. Return phone calls to your lawyer.  We are here to help you.  If you don't communicate with us there is nothing we can do for you.  Be a team player with us.  It doesn't happen a lot, but we are always shocked when a client doesn't respond to calls.

5. Don't give a recorded statement.  This typically is attempted before you have an attorney.  Often an insurance company will do this and twist your words against you or ask questions at an inappropriate time like when you are in the hospital.  You don't have to give a statement.  It won't impact your case in any way.  If they have questions for you it should be in writing and go through your attorney.

We are workers' compensation attorneys that 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.

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