9 Workers’ Comp Adjuster Tricks You Should Know About

Getting hurt on the job is stressful enough. Between doctor visits, paperwork, and trying to heal, the last thing you need is someone working against you. 

But that’s exactly what happens when a workers’ comp adjuster steps in.

They might seem helpful at first and even friendly. But make no mistake: their goal is to save the insurance company money, and not to make sure you’re okay.

That’s why it helps to know the playbook. Adjusters have a few go-to tricks they use to delay, deny, or minimize your benefits. Once you know what to look out for, you can protect yourself and avoid getting taken advantage of.

In this post, we’ll show you 9 super common workers’ comp adjuster tricks.

#1 Acting Friendly To Gain Your Trust

One of the first things you’ll notice when you start dealing with a workers’ comp adjuster is how friendly they can be. 

They might start off with small talk, ask about your day, or even compliment you. This is no accident. They are trained to make you feel comfortable so you let your guard down.

The goal is to get you to open up and share more than you should. 

You might casually mention something about a past injury, a side job, or that you’re feeling “a little better today.” That’s all stuff they can use to downplay or deny your claim later.

So yeah, be polite. But be careful. Keep your answers short and stick to the basics.

Also Read: Workers’ Comp Case Closed But Still In Pain

#2 Downplaying Your Injury

Another classic workers’ comp adjuster trick is downplaying the seriousness of your injury. 

They might tell you that it doesn’t look bad or try to convince you that what you’re feeling is just normal soreness that will go away with time. The adjuster might even suggest that you’re overreacting.

Why? Because if your injury sounds mild, they can limit your benefits or cut them off early.

Don’t let anyone but your own doctor decide how serious your condition is. And don’t brush off symptoms just because someone from the insurance company says you’re fine.

#3 Sending You To Their “Independent” Doctor

Another workers’ comp adjuster trick is to ask you to see a doctor they claim is “independent.”

Insurance companies have a list of doctors they use often. Those doctors tend to write reports that are more favorable to the insurer. So when they send you for a second opinion or a medical exam with someone new, it’s usually someone who’s already in their corner.

These doctors might say you can go back to work when you’re clearly not ready. Or they might downplay your injury altogether. It’s frustrating, but it happens all the time.

You still have the right to see your own doctor. And if the insurance company’s doctor gives a bad report, you can challenge it.

#4 Pushing You To Give A Recorded Statement

At some point, the adjuster will probably ask you to give a recorded statement. This is when you talk about your injury on tape or over the phone.

Sounds harmless, right? Nope.

What they’re really hoping is that you’ll say something they can twist later. Even a small inconsistency like mixing up dates or using the wrong word can be used to question your credibility.

The adjuster might pressure you, telling you it’s required or that it’s no big deal. But here’s the thing: you’re not legally obligated to give a recorded statement. 

It’s always a good idea to talk to your attorney before agreeing to this. 

They can help you understand if it’s in your best interest or if it’s a tactic to use your words against you later.

Also Read: Can I Sue My Employer for Not Reporting My Injury

#5 Offering A Quick Settlement

After a few weeks, the adjuster might approach you with a quick settlement offer. They’ll present it like it’s a good deal, one that will let you put this whole thing behind you. 

Don’t be fooled.

Quick settlements are often much lower than what you actually deserve. 

The adjuster is betting that you’ll accept the money and move on without fully understanding the long-term effects of your injury. 

They may even tell you that it’s a one-time offer and that you’ll never get this kind of deal again.

Take your time. Consult with a lawyer before you make any decisions. Quick settlements might sound tempting, but they usually don’t cover future medical bills or lost wages.

#6 Delaying Your Payments Or Treatment Approvals

You’d think that after filing a workers’ comp claim, the payments and treatment approvals would be pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. 

Adjusters may drag their feet when it comes to approving necessary treatments or paying you for time off work.

You might be waiting weeks for treatment that your doctor already recommended. Or your check might be “in the mail” forever.

This is often done to force you into a position where you feel pressured to settle. They know that the longer they delay, the more likely you’ll accept whatever they offer just to move on. 

Keep track of everything (treatment appointments, payments, emails) and don’t let them slow you down. You’re entitled to prompt medical care and compensation.

Also Read: Can You Sue Workers Comp For Taking Too Long?

#7 Claiming Your Injury Is From A Pre-Existing Condition

This is another dirty workers’ comp adjuster trick that’s super common.

Adjusters love to dig into your medical history. If you’ve ever had a similar issue in the past (even years ago) they’ll try to say your current injury isn’t from work.

They’ll use anything they can to argue that your job didn’t cause your injury, even when it obviously did.

If you get the feeling that they’re trying to push this narrative, make sure you have a solid medical report that explains your current condition and how it’s tied to your work. Medical experts can usually tell the difference between a pre-existing condition and a new injury.

Plus, if your work made an old condition worse, that still counts. Aggravation of a pre-existing condition is still a valid claim. 

Don’t let them convince you otherwise.

#8 Spying On You

You’d be surprised how often workers’ comp adjusters hire private investigators to spy on injured workers. They might follow you around, take photos, or watch you to see if you’re doing anything that contradicts your claim.

This could mean anything from sitting down at a restaurant to participating in a hobby that’s “too active” for someone who claims to be injured. 

They’ll also comb through your social media.

The goal is to catch you in a lie, even if it’s something small. 

The best way to deal with this is to stick to the truth and keep your personal life private. Don’t post about your injury online. And try not to do anything in public that could be misinterpreted.

#9 Misleading You About Your Rights

Another trick in the book is to mislead you about your rights.

Adjusters might flat-out give you bad information. They might say you’re not entitled to more treatment. Or that you have to return to work. Or that you’re not eligible for benefits at all.

Sometimes they leave out key details. Other times they just twist things around to benefit the insurance company.

The reality? You have rights. Lots of them. And if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. 

That’s why it helps to talk to someone who knows the system and can explain your options.

Also Read: Reasons To Sue Workers’ Comp

Bottom Line

Workers’ compensation adjusters play hardball. Their job is to save money for the insurance company, and not to help you recover. 

They might seem nice or helpful, but you need to stay cautious.

If any of these workers comp adjuster tricks feel familiar, don’t panic – but don’t ignore it either. You don’t have to deal with all this on your own. Having someone on your side, like a workers’ comp attorney, can make a huge difference. 

You deserve support, fair treatment, and the time you need to actually heal.