Excuses Workers’ Comp Insurance Uses to Delay Your Payments

When you get hurt at work, dealing with workers’ comp can feel overwhelming. Even with a legitimate injury, the insurance company might use tactics to delay or deny your benefits. They’re experts at this game, but don’t worry—we know how to fight back.

Here are three common excuses workers’ comp insurance companies use and how we handle them.

1. “We Need a Medical Release to Get Your Records.”

Insurance companies often ask injured workers to sign a medical authorization form. However, what they don’t tell you is that these forms usually allow them access to all your private medical information—from counseling records to treatments you received years ago.

So, what does this have to do with the injury you just suffered at work? Absolutely nothing. Instead, they’re fishing for something to use against you.

This is why I never let my clients sign these forms—I tear them up right in my office. Instead of giving them free access to irrelevant information, you can request the specific records they need from your doctor and send them yourself. That way, you stay in control of your privacy while giving them only what’s relevant.

2. “We Need Your Recorded Statement.”

By the time they ask for your statement, the insurance adjuster has already spoken to your boss, coworkers, or anyone else who might know about the incident. If they think you’re faking the injury or that it didn’t happen at work, they’ve likely already decided.

So, why ask for a recorded statement? Because they’re looking for ways to twist your words. For example, adjusters do hundreds—sometimes thousands—of these interviews and know exactly how to trip you up, especially if you’re in pain or on medication.

This is precisely why I never let my clients give recorded statements. If they’ve already done one before hiring me, I work hard to ensure any errors or omissions are corrected before they’re used against them. In the end, we make sure their statement accurately reflects what really happened.

3. “We’re Waiting for Authorization From Your Employer.”

This excuse is pure stalling. Verifying workers’ comp coverage and confirming someone was injured on the job takes minutes—not days or weeks. Unless your employer claims you’re lying about the injury (which rarely happens), there’s no legitimate reason for delays.

Unfortunately, workers’ comp laws in D.C. don’t include immediate remedies for unjust delays. For this reason, you’ll need a lawyer who knows how to file for a hearing and force the insurance company to do what’s right. Without this step, they may continue dragging their feet indefinitely.

Contact Us for Help With Your Workers’ Comp Case

If you’re dealing with delays or denials after a serious work injury, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the complicated workers’ comp system and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Call us at 202-393-3320 or click here to schedule a consultation. Let’s get started today.