My Adjuster Said She is Going to Close My Virginia Workers Compensation Case!

LISTEN UP – I’m about to let you in on another one of the insurance companies’ dirty little secrets!

I regularly get calls from injured workers in a panic because the insurance adjuster told them their case was being “closed”.

The Threat

Adjusters love to use this threat – “If you don’t ______________ (sign this form, do a recorded statement, agree to this settlement, respond by this deadline, and so on) I’m going to close your file”.

Injured workers call my office in a panic, almost screaming, “HELP!! – The Adjuster said she was CLOSING MY CASE!” They are terrified, don’t know what to do, and are desperate for help.

I can understand how this statement from the Adjuster would strike fear into anyone who is dealing with a Virginia work injury claim; especially if you are still in the midst of your medical care or unable to work. Adjusters love to use this threat to strong-arm an injured worker into doing what they want.

Here’s the BIG SECRET

The insurance adjuster likely won’t tell you this, but, If you have taken the appropriate steps (filing your Claim for Benefits form) and have been given an Award Order for lifetime medical benefits, then this threat is just the adjuster blowing smoke! I say this because if you have lifetime medical benefits, then the claim is open for the lifetime of your injury – it does not close simply because the Adjuster says it is closed! Even if the insurance company closes their internal file, your Award Order with the Commission still stands!

If you don’t have an Award Order for lifetime medical benefits, you need to get one. Contact my office right away for free information on how to apply for this!

For more information on the insurance carriers’ dirty little secrets or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia”  or call our office today (804) 755-7755.