Navigating the aftermath of a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Between doctor visits, pain management, time off work, and the uncertainty of how long recovery will take, it’s easy to overlook the importance of early conversations—especially with insurance adjusters. These conversations, however routine they may seem, often play a pivotal role in how a claim unfolds.
As an attorney who focuses on workplace injury law, I’ve witnessed time and again how innocent remarks made to insurance adjusters have complicated otherwise valid claims. The intention behind these statements is rarely harmful, but the effect can be. Understanding what not to say is just as important as knowing what to do.
One of the most common pitfalls is minimizing the injury. After an accident, many workers instinctively downplay their condition out of pride, fear of losing their job, or simple optimism. Phrases like “I’m fine,” “It’s not that bad,” or “I’ll bounce back soon” may be meant to reassure, but they often serve as ammunition for the insurance company to challenge the legitimacy or severity of the injury.
Equally problematic is engaging in speculation. After a workplace incident, it’s natural to feel uncertain about exactly how the injury occurred. But saying things like “I guess I slipped” or “Maybe I wasn’t paying attention” can be interpreted as an admission of fault—or worse, a sign of negligence. In Louisiana, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. Fault doesn’t generally determine eligibility for benefits. That said, speculation can cause confusion and weaken a claim before it even gets off the ground.
Another red flag in these conversations is volunteering unrelated medical history. Adjusters sometimes ask leading questions to find any indication that the injury existed before the incident at work. It might seem harmless to mention old back pain from ten years ago, but once that information is recorded, the insurer may try to argue that the current injury isn’t new—or isn’t work-related. The focus should stay on the current injury and how it resulted from the incident on the job.
Some adjusters request recorded statements under the pretense of accuracy or convenience. While this may seem like a standard part of the process, these recordings are often combed through for inconsistencies or offhand remarks that can be used against the injured worker. It’s perfectly acceptable to delay or decline a recorded statement until there’s a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities. These conversations are not casual chats—they are part of a legal and financial process.
Another area that often leads to confusion is accepting modified duty or “light duty” assignments. When an employer offers such a position, it might seem like a good faith gesture. But returning to work before medical clearance, or accepting a position without knowing its physical demands, can jeopardize both recovery and the claim itself. Always ensure that any return-to-work decision is guided by medical professionals, not pressure from an employer or insurance representative.
There’s also a tendency for injured workers to be overly cooperative, sometimes even admitting to mistakes that didn’t contribute to the injury. Saying “I should have been paying more attention” or “It was my fault” may feel like honesty, but in the context of an insurance claim, these statements carry weight. Even when fault is irrelevant under workers’ comp law, such remarks can complicate proceedings or be misinterpreted in a way that delays or reduces benefits.
Timing also matters. Delays in reporting the injury or in seeking medical care can cast doubt on the claim, even if the delay was due to confusion, lack of transportation, or other understandable reasons. It’s important to report incidents immediately and begin the documentation process without hesitation. The paper trail begins from the moment the injury occurs—and every decision afterward contributes to the integrity of that trail.
Insurance adjusters have a job to do, and part of that job involves protecting the interests of the insurance company. That means any information shared may be used to challenge the claim if it’s advantageous to do so. These professionals are trained to ask questions in ways that sound friendly and routine, but often carry deeper implications.
The best approach is simple: be factual, concise, and cautious. Stick to the basic details of what happened and the medical effects experienced. Avoid small talk, speculation, and emotional responses. Provide written documentation when possible, and consult with someone familiar with the process before agreeing to recorded statements or signing anything.
At Morrow Law Firm, these issues arise frequently. The goal is always to ensure that injured workers are treated fairly under the law and that their claims proceed without unnecessary hurdles caused by avoidable misstatements. Communication with insurance adjusters should be treated as part of a formal legal process, not a casual discussion. Words matter, and in this context, they matter a great deal.
Understanding what not to say is a step toward protecting one’s rights and preserving the path toward recovery. When in doubt, pause before speaking—and focus on facts, not feelings.