Hey there, just wondering if you've ever felt like you're being ordered around when it comes to health assessments and "their" doctor by insurance companies?
If you are in the middle of a personal injury claim, the chances are that you will encounter an independent medical examination.
Here's the real thing…
They're anything but independent.
Insurance companies have one goal in mind – keep you and your family from receiving what you are entitled to!
Health assessments have a massive impact on how much (if any) money you receive. This part of the process can make or break your claim. If you do not understand the entire process, the insurance company can take advantage of you and you can end up being paid far less than you deserve.
The personal injury lawsuits filed by individuals revolve around one common element. This is proving your injuries are genuine and substantial.
The insurance company wants to pay as little as they can on your claim. It is their job. To do this, they will downplay the severity of your injuries or allege that they were not caused by the accident.
Enter health assessments.
Personal injury claims are no different. You're putting your entire health history on the table. Your compensation will depend on the seriousness of your injuries. This involves expenses for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care.
Your doctor, however, is documenting your injury in the medical records. The insurance company, however, does not believe what you have been saying. They want to have an independent medical opinion. Seasoned personal injury attorneys know how to prepare their clients for this part of the process as the result of the examination can help them increase or decrease your damages.
Before I tell you more about the process, I need to tell you one little secret about an Independent Medical Examination (IME)…
It is not independent at all.
IME is a defense medical examination.
In a nutshell, the defendant's insurance company selects and pays for the doctor that is going to evaluate you. This IME doctor will be looking for any reason they can think of to:
Pretty scary stuff huh?
If you have turned your personal injury claim into a lawsuit, have various medical conditions, or if the insurance company questions the severity of your injuries, you will probably have to undergo an independent medical exam.
Wait! There's more…
If you do not attend an IME, the judge will most likely dismiss your case. Even if the case continues, you might be prevented from using medical evidence at trial.
Trust me, this is nothing like your regular doctor's appointment.
IME stands for Independent Medical Evaluation. It is designed for one purpose only and that is to help the insurance company.
Here is what you should expect:
Want to know the secret of coming out on top at an IME?
PREPARATION, PREPARATION, PREPARATION!
Thoroughly review your medical records. If you are going to your IME, you should expect the IME doctor to have access to all your medical files and they will certainly try to trip you up if you are not consistent.
Review the following:
Be polite, be cooperative but always keep in mind that this is not your friend.
Keep in mind that the IME doctor is an employee of the insurance company.
Remember: Nothing you say to the IME doctor is confidential. It can all be used against you in court.
The IME doctor will write a medical report after the completion of the examination.
This report will include:
Ugh…you're probably not even surprised.
You're probably depressed at this point. Because the unfortunate truth is these reports come back siding with the insurance company. It does not matter if you have a broken bone or a minor whiplash. The insurance doctor will have some clever conclusion that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, that you have reached maximum medical improvement, or your injuries are pre-existing.
But don't freak out if the IME report is bad (it will be).
If you have a bad IME report, your attorney can arrange for an independent medical examination by their own doctor.
IME doctors have a reputation for being slightly, ermmm, unethical, at times.
Look out for IME doctors that:
Yes, there are rules on what IME doctors can and can't do. Your attorney will brief you before the examination.
Insurance company's health assessments will have a significant impact on how much (if any) money you will be paid in a settlement.
A positive medical report will back up your demand for higher compensation. A negative report will give the insurance company justification to offer you a lower payout.
Picture this…
Two people are involved in similar car accidents. Both suffer exactly the same injuries. Person A read up on IMEs and prepared thoroughly. Person B was a little more relaxed. Person A settled the case for $50,000 and person B for $15,000.
How did this happen?
Handling their health assessments properly.
IMEs are complicated legal proceedings and if something goes wrong, the financial impact is significant. Medical malpractice cases often result in substantial settlements, reflecting the severe impact these injuries can have on victims' lives.
Seasoned personal injury lawyers will:
Health assessments have a massive influence on the size of your injury compensation. Independent medical examinations are not as they seem.
Insurance companies have one goal in mind – keep you and your family from receiving what you are entitled to!
IMEs have a massive impact on how much (if any) money you receive. This part of the process can make or break your claim. If you do not understand the entire process, the insurance company can take advantage of you and you can end up being paid far less than you deserve.
Take these key points away:
The insurance company has experienced doctors and lawyers working against you. Level the playing field by enlisting professional help for this crucial stage in your case.
