INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION (IME)

An independent medical examination is a right on your employer/their insurance company’s behalf to to send you to be examined by a doctor of their choosing to verify your injuries, the severity of them, and the cause of them, after filing a workers compensation claim.

The issue with these examinations is that the doctor is hired and paid by the insurance company so their reports are often in favor of the insurance company. Going to IME’s without first getting legal advice could hurt your claim.

HOW WILL AN INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION (IME) AFFECT MY WORKERS’ COMP CASE?

The Workers’ Compensation Act allows that the insurance company and/or your employer can send you to at least one independent medical examination so they can get an independent opinion on your condition from a medical professional who is not treating you already.

Sometimes your employer can require more than one Independent Medical Examination if they establish a legitimate need for follow up exams. An attorney can help verify if any additional IME’s are needed, which is why it’s imperative you seek legal representation for your workers’ compensation claim.

WHAT TO DO AT YOUR INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION:

• If possible, bring someone to the exam with you. Have this person record what the physician does, says, and how long the exam took. This could be submitted as evidence to validate your claim and bring the physician’s credibility into question in the event the report is different from what occurred at the examination.
• If you can’t bring anyone with you take notes during or immediately after the exam for the same reasons.
• Be honest when answering questions and describing your condition.
• Never sign any documents you are given; have your attorney review them first.
• Prior to going to your independent medical examination contact The Pisanchyn Law Firm’s experienced Workers’ Comp Attorneys.

WHY HIRE A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ATTORNEY?

It’s too easy for the insurance companies to trick you or question your credibility when you are in such a vulnerable state. Your PA Workers’ Compensation legal representation is free of charge until we have to take this matter to a Judge. We pledge, without any equivocation, that should you retain us, we will represent you skillfully, compassionately, and most of all, aggressively.

Please, call toll free at 1-800-444-5309 for your free consultation. We have offices in Scranton, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg and will travel to you.