You do not have to agree to a recorded statement on the spot. After an Illinois work injury, an insurance adjuster may call and ask to record your answers about how you were hurt. You can politely say you need time, ask for the request in writing, and get advice before you answer questions on the record. What you say in a recorded statement can later be compared with medical records and other accounts, so it is worth slowing down, even if the call feels routine.
En español: ¿Tengo que dar una declaración grabada a la compañía de seguros?
What a recorded statement is
A recorded statement is a question-and-answer session with an insurance adjuster that is recorded, usually by phone. The adjuster may ask when and how the injury happened, what you were doing, who saw it, what treatment you have had, and whether you have had similar injuries or symptoms before. The recording is kept as part of the claim file, and it may be used later if there is a dispute about how the injury happened or how serious it is.
Why an adjuster asks for one
Adjusters investigate claims, and a recorded statement is one of their investigation tools. They may say it will speed up the claim, or that it is standard procedure. That may be true, but a statement taken while you are in pain, on medication, or unsure of the facts can create confusion that is hard to correct later. You are not being uncooperative by asking for time or by asking questions of your own.
What to do if you are asked
- Do not agree immediately. A polite response is enough, such as: “I would like time to think about this and to get advice before I give a recorded statement.”
- Ask for the request in writing, including who is asking, what company they work for, and what they want to ask about.
- Write down the date, time, and name of the person who called, and keep any letters, emails, or messages about the request.
- If you do decide to give a statement, stick to facts you are sure of. Do not guess about dates, distances, weights, or medical details, and say so plainly if you do not remember something.
- Do not sign a form, a release, or a written summary of a statement without reading it carefully and understanding what it covers.
- Keep your own notes afterward about what was asked and what you said.
A recorded statement is not the same as reporting your injury
Giving, or declining, a recorded statement does not replace reporting the injury to your employer. In Illinois, notice should be given to your employer within 45 days of the injury, and reporting in writing is the safest way to do it. Filing a formal claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission is a separate step again, and it protects the claim even while benefits are being paid. Do not let a conversation with an adjuster take the place of those steps.
If you already gave a statement, or feel pressured
If you already gave a statement, do not panic. Note what you remember saying, keep any copy or summary you were given, and raise any mistakes or missing context in writing as soon as you can. If an adjuster keeps calling, threatens to close the claim, or says benefits will stop unless you record a statement, write down exactly what was said and when, and consider getting advice promptly. Pressure, or a denial that follows a refused statement, is a common reason workers seek help with a claim.
Next steps
- Report the injury to your employer in writing if you have not already done so, and keep a copy.
- Keep a simple claim file: medical visits, work restrictions, time off, bills, and every contact with the insurer.
- Ask for any request for a recorded statement, a release, or other forms in writing before you agree to anything.
- If you are unsure what to do, or the claim is denied or delayed, consider connecting with a lawyer for advice about your situation.
Related guides and questions
Read After a Work Injury and What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied. If you are feeling pressured by an adjuster, see Connect With a Lawyer.
Verify against the IWCC
Rules and procedures can depend on the facts of a case. Check the current rules with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission before relying on anything on this page. If you are seriously hurt, get emergency care first.
This page is general information only. It is not medical advice, not legal advice, and this site is not a law firm. See the Disclaimer.