Certain strategies employed during the handling of workplace injury claims can be viewed as manipulative tactics. These actions often involve delaying or denying legitimate claims, downplaying the severity of injuries, or pressuring injured employees to return to work prematurely. For example, an adjuster might request excessive documentation, schedule independent medical examinations with biased physicians, or misrepresent state laws to limit benefits.
The utilization of these tactics undermines the purpose of workers’ compensation, which is intended to provide a safety net for employees injured on the job. Such behaviors can lead to financial hardship, delayed medical care, and increased stress for injured workers. Historically, these strategies have been employed to minimize employer costs and maximize insurance company profits, often at the expense of employee well-being.