In personal injury cases, an independent medical evaluation (“IME”) is usually requested by the defendant’s insurance company to determine causation, the extent of the medical treatment, whether the patient (plaintiff) has received maximum benefit from the treatment, and whether any permanent impairment or injury will remain after treatment.
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Nov 25, 2014 · That is why it is more accurately referred to as a “Defense Medical Examination.” What To Do When the Defense Requires an IME. If a Plaintiff’s attorney receives a notice to have the Plaintiff examined, the first thing that the attorney will do is ensure the physician is of the same discipline of the doctor that has treated the Plaintiff.
Sometimes, when more than one aspect of a plaintiff's health are at issue, the plaintiff may have to undergo more than one IME. For example, if you are being treated by a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, and an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, the defense may seek an IME performed by its own specialists in each of those fields.
Nov 25, 2014 · Personal Injury Attorney. by David B. Bobrosky (818) 907-3254. This is part of a series of blogs that discusses what a client can expect during various stages of a personal injury case.This post addresses what happens when the defense has the Plaintiff examined by a doctor in what is incorrectly referred to as an “Independent Medical Examination.”
The primary responsibility of a plaintiff’s lawyer is to achieve a positive outcome for the individual client. A by-product of this work is positive social change that protects everyone. Large verdicts and settlements are the result of reckless behavior.
While most insurance policies that cover personal injuries require you to submit to an independent medical examination, know that you are entitled to have an attorney present when the insurance company conducts an independent medical examination, and you have the right to have the examination recorded.
5 Ways You Can Beat a UNUM IME ReportDon't Exaggerate Your Symptoms. ... Build Strong Relationships With Your Treating Doctors. ... Assume You're Under Surveillance Before and After an IME. ... Bring a Trustworthy Witness With You. ... Consult an Experienced Disability Insurance Lawyer.Jul 17, 2020
If you refuse to attend an IME, it's likely your case will be dismissed. Even if your case is allowed to continue, you may be prevented from presenting any medical evidence at trial, which can significantly hinder your case.
Checklist for Preparing for Your Independent Medical Examination (IME)Be Appropriately Cleaned, Groomed & Dressed. ... Arrive at Least 30 Minutes Early. ... Be Familiar with Your Medical History. ... Be 100% Honest – Don't Exaggerate Your Injuries.More items...
These doctors want to make the insurance company happy so that they can continue getting these lucrative exams referred to them. That means their reports to the insurance company tend to minimize the extent of accident victims' injuries, and mistakes can be made. On some occasions the doctors flat out lie.
What Not to Say to the Independent Medical Examination DoctorDo not ask the physician for a diagnosis. ... Do not exaggerate the symptoms of your injuries or occupational illness. ... Avoid saying more than you should.Dec 25, 2018
We are all familiar with the mandate that a defense medical examination report, the so-called “IME”, must be produced upon written request by the patient's attorney. California law requires production 30 days after the demand (or 30 days after the examination, if demanded prior thereto).Sep 20, 2017
Independent Medical Examination (IME) — a medical or psychiatric evaluation to determine the current status of an employee's medical condition or to determine whether the condition is related to employment.
The insurance company does not want to payout on any injury in which you are misdiagnosed or treated improperly. They want to verify (or deny) your claim by you seeing their own doctor. The insurance company may send you to an occupational health expert or a specialist, and this is called an 'insurer exam.
3 Things Not to Tell the Doctor During Your IMEDon't Exaggerate Your Symptoms. Yes, you want to make sure your symptoms don't go unnoticed by your doctor. ... Don't Speak Negatively About Your Employer. Do not be rude or difficult, and don't speak negatively about your employer. ... Don't Lie.Aug 27, 2020
Independent Medical Examination (IME) QuestionnaireWhat is your full name?What is your date of birth?Are you? ... What is the date of your injury?Have you ever had any previous problems or injuries, including any other work-related, recreational, or motor vehicle injuries?More items...•Dec 12, 2019
If there is one good piece of advice about speaking to a doctor during an IME it's stick to the facts:Be straightforward in your answers but only answer the question asked.Do not exaggerate. ... Do not be chatty with the doctor. ... If possible, give yes or no answers to questions.Do not give lengthy answers to questions.More items...•Jan 22, 2020
While the independent medical examiner is not permitted to lie, they will almost certainly review the evidence in the light most favorable to their client's (the defendant's) interest. Sometimes, when more than one aspect of a plaintiff's health are at issue, the plaintiff may have to undergo more than one IME.
The IME doctor will typically conduct a patient interview to learn the history of the accident and medical condition, and then conduct a medical examination. At some point in time, the IME doctor is also likely to consult other medical records provided in relation to the plaintiff's case. During this process, the IME doctor looks for a variety ...
The Plaintiff’s attorney will demand a copy of any report generated by the Defense’s doctor. This usually includes the main report of the examination, which should set forth the tests conducted during the examination and any opinions or conclusions reached by the doctor.
This examination has often been referred to as an Independent Medical Examination (IME). However, there is nothing “independent” about it. The physician is not neutral. S/He is hired and paid for by the defense – usually the insurance company.
In this Record Review, the doctor summarizes the records and comments regarding the treatment of the Plaintiff.
A plaintiff’s attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals who have been harmed physically or financially. They fight for the rights of the “little guy” against the powerful. Plaintiffs' attorneys typically take on corporations, insurance companies, hospitals, business interests and even governmental organizations.
These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. These people did nothing to deserve the suffering they have endured.
The injured individual pays nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. If there is no financial compensation in a case, the individual pays no attorney’s fees. This contingency fee arrangement gives average people access to the justice system.
IME Companions is a company created to equip plaintiffs firms with ammunition against the insurance companies and their hired physicians. We are a group of caring trained professionals who will oversee and document the Insurance Medical Exam to protect your clients interests. IME Companions delivers only the highest quality of service.
The doctors are chosen and paid by the insurance company. They have incentive to minimize your injuries and provide an opinion that is more favorable for the insurance company.
Like a workers’ comp deposition, an independent medical examination (IME) can be a nerve-wracking experience. Your employer’s insurance company may require you to attend an IME ...
Like a workers’ comp deposition, an independent medical examination (IME) can be a nerve-wracking experience. Your employer’s insurance company may require you to attend an IME when there’s a dispute about medical issues in your workers’ comp case, including the cause of your injuries, treatment you need, if you’re able to work, ...
Remember the purpose of the IME. The doctor is there to assess your condition and give an opinion on the medical issues in dispute. The examiner is not your treating physician, so there is no doctor-patient confidentiality. Anything you say in the exam will be relayed to the insurance company.