Six Things To Know Before You Undergo An Independent Medical Examination In Your Workers' Comp Case
One of the most important determining events in a workers compensation case is the examination of the plaintiff during an independent medical examination (IME).
The IME is an examination that the insurance company of the employer will request to research the situation and to formulate their own defense regarding the case.
You need to be informed going in to the IME to answer all questions and handle the situation in a way that's beneficial to your case. The following are six things to know before you undergo your IME:
The documentation the independent medical examiner has received regarding your case
Knowing what the the independent medical examiner has previously received in terms of your medical records can be helpful.
The independent medical examiner will have received certain things from your employer's insurance company. This will probably include your medical records and any documentation you've filed with your employer.
Your medical records will detail the diagnosis on your condition and the treatment you have received. You should be able to ask for a list of any disputed issues the IME doctor has received regarding your case. This will give you a chance to correct any errors going in to the examination.
The need to be truthful
You need to be honest in all the answers that you give. Beyond that, you also need to avoid exaggeration. You should be as accurate as possible in all your responses to the questions of the IME doctor.
The details of your own case and medical records
The more well versed you are regarding the details and statistics of your case, the better off you will be. Not only should you understand the medical details, but you should also know precise details related to the timeline of your case going into the IME.
The possibility of bringing along your own helpers
In some cases, you may be able to bring along family members, witnesses, and supporters regarding your case.
While anyone you bring along to the exam can't directly interact or interfere, the emotional support they provide throughout the ordeal may be highly valuable for you.
The need to be consistent
You can rest assured that your employer's insurance company is going to capitalize on any inconsistencies you present regarding your case. You therefore need to do everything you can to make sure your answers are entirely consistent.
The possibility of questions coming up regarding your prior medical history
Not only should you familiarize yourself with the injury your workers comp case focuses on, but also on your prior medical history.
One tactic an insurance company can use to combat your case is to contest that any injury you're suffering from was preexisting. You should therefore do some research on your prior medical history to determine if the insurance company might try to use this tactic in your case.
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