Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Tactics: How They Minimize Your Claim

Insurance companies are in the business of making money — not paying claims. When you file a workers’ comp claim in California, the insurance company’s goal is to pay as little as possible. Understanding their tactics is the first step to protecting yourself.

Tactic #1: Delay Everything

The most common tactic. Insurance companies delay:

• Accepting or denying your claim (they’ll use all 90 days)
• Authorizing medical treatment (surgeries, MRIs, specialist visits)
• Paying temporary disability checks
• Scheduling evaluations

Why: They hope delays will frustrate you into accepting less or dropping your claim entirely.

Tactic #2: Biased Medical Evaluations

Insurance companies use doctors who are known to minimize injuries. These doctors may:

• Spend only a few minutes examining you
• Downplay your symptoms in their report
• Blame your condition on aging or non-work activities
• Declare you can return to full duty when you clearly can’t

Tactic #3: Surveillance

Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow you. They’re looking for footage of you:

• Carrying groceries when you said you can’t lift
• Playing sports or doing yard work
• Engaging in activities that contradict your claimed limitations

Tip: Always be truthful about your limitations. Don’t exaggerate, but don’t push through pain to “prove” you’re tough.

Tactic #4: The Lowball Settlement Offer

The first settlement offer is almost always too low. Insurance adjusters know that injured workers who are desperate for money may accept less than their claim is worth.

Tactic #5: Recorded Statements

The adjuster will ask you to give a recorded statement “to process your claim.” Anything you say can be used to deny or minimize your benefits. Never give a recorded statement without consulting a workers’ comp attorney first.

Tactic #6: Blame Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have any prior medical history involving the same body part, expect the insurance company to argue your current condition is pre-existing — even if your job clearly made it worse.

How to Fight Back

• Hire a Certified Workers’ Comp Specialist — level the playing field
• Document everything — keep records of all communications, symptoms, and treatment
• Don’t sign anything without your attorney reviewing it
• Be honest and consistent with all doctors and in all statements
• Never accept the first offer without getting a professional valuation

The Insurance Company Has Lawyers. You Should Too.

Attorney Eman Yazdchi has been fighting insurance company tactics for 20+ years as a Certified Specialist. Call Yazdchi Law for a free consultation — you pay nothing unless we win.