What does a workers’ comp insurance investigator want to know?

On Behalf of | Apr 19, 2017 | Firm News

Your New Jersey employer is required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Like any type of insurance, after a claim is made, the company investigates the circumstances that led to the injury. According to the FHM Insurance Company, an investigator uncovers the details of your workplace accident by asking some standard questions.

The insurance company wants to verify that you were injured, and also wants to document the specifics of the accident. This may entail asking witnesses what they saw, and if there was anyone else involved in the situation. If there were machines or tools being used, the investigator will ask whether you were trained in the proper operation of them and if you were supplied with the necessary protective equipment.

In recreating the circumstances of the accident, the investigator will probably ask where everyone was at the time it occurred. This includes not only you, but your supervisor, co-workers, witnesses and anyone else who may have played a role. Factors such as when you began the job and when your supervisor last checked on you may be relevant, as well as the moment that you or another first noticed something was going wrong.

While these questions are important in ensuring that you receive the benefits you are entitled to, they serve another purpose. The insurance company wants to identify issues that led to your accident so your employer can take steps to prevent other workers from being hurt, as well. This information is provided for your education, but it is not offered in place of legal advice.