When you’re going through a personal injury case, an injured person generally is receiving treatment from one specialist such as an orthopedist or a neurosurgeon. These specialists are typically tasked with rendering opinions on your condition such as future medical requirements and work restrictions. At some point, however you may hear the term independent medical examination.
An independent medical examination, or an IME, is when your attorney or the insurance company sends you to a different specialist in the same field to render opinions on your condition. Having a doctor take a second look at your injuries could work to your benefit, but it could work to your detriment and cause significant problems in your case.
These exams are used to answer any questions your insurance company may have about your worker’s compensation claim, and they can affect the outcome of your personal injury case. Many judges will make their decisions based on the findings of the IME, so it’s important to know what all they entail.
At Hoffman Law Firm, let our trusted legal team handle the questions from the insurance company and help you navigate your IME to get the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more.
What to Expect
Your independent medical examination will begin by discussing your injury, symptoms, ongoing problems relating to the injury, and any progress you’ve made. The doctor conducting the IME will ask questions to confirm your condition, as well as details surrounding the accident itself, and then proceed with a physical examination of your ailment.
The doctor will likely already have your medical records, history of medical treatment for the injury, and potentially your injury report or a note outlining your claim from the insurance company. They may be looking for any inconsistencies or the presence of inaccurate information in your medical records.
How Does an IME Affect Workers Compensation?
IMEs are intended to verify your injuries during workers’ compensation claims. Therefore, if discrepancies are found in your recount of the injury, it can have a significant impact on your claim. Judges may sometimes view IME doctors as more objective than your personal primary care doctor. This is why these exams are important in your personal injury case.
If you’ve been tasked with getting an IME, ask your insurance company for a copy of the letter being sent to the IME doctor to review prior to the exam. This can help you understand what might be of issue in your claim.
Following your IME, you or your attorney will receive a copy of the report from the IME doctor. If you see a factual mistake, point it out immediately. You can write a letter to the doctor and insurance company requesting they clarify their findings through an addendum. If you can support the error with your medical records, include those with your letter for further verification. This should only be done with the guidance of a seasoned experienced attorney, otherwise you may do more damage than good.
If an IME is going to affect your personal injury case, it’s important to have a skilled legal team on your side, like our attorneys here at Hoffman Law Firm.
Need Legal Advice After a Workplace Accident, Contact Hoffman Law Firm!
Navigating the challenges of the insurance company during a personal injury case is no walk in the park. That’s why our team at Hoffman Law Firm is here to stand beside you and fight for the compensation you deserve. When it comes to complicated asks from your insurance company, let us handle it.
Located in Charleston, SC, we support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State.
Our personal injury lawyers here at Hoffman Law Firm have extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases. We have established a reputation for success, as well as great service!
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