Seattle Injury Lawyers Discuss Independent Medical Exams

Posted Thursday, July 2, 2015 by Chris Thayer

Seattle Injury Lawyers Discuss Independent Medical Exams

If one were merely to be exposed to the term “independent medical exam,” one would very naturally conclude that it is a neutral, objective, unbiased method for gathering more information in a personal injury claim. The reality, however, is quite different.

Not Independent IMEs have been employed with greater regularity by the defense or insurance carrier and would thus be more aptly considered “defense medical examinations” or “adverse medical examinations.” When the injured plaintiff places his or her physical or mental health in question as a result of a defendant’s actions, the defense has the right to obtain medical evidence that contradicts the plaintiff’s claims. However, many IME doctors realize the defense will benefit from a certain outcome of the IME report and skew the findings accordingly.

The Likelihood of an IME

Certain cases are more likely to involve an IME than others. If there is any reason to believe the plaintiff is less than forthright or exaggerating the claim, an IME will almost certainly be requested, for example. In other cases, a high demand by plaintiff’s counsel may trigger an IME.

Speak with Your Lawyer

If an IME is inevitable, it is important to discuss the matter with your lawyer. Among the guidance he or she may provide include:

• Explain how the particular doctor in question operates
• The value of taking notes regarding the examination
• Explain that certain test or procedures are not to be conducted based on your particular circumstances
• Explain that there are certain topics of conversation that you should avoid while undergoing the examination

Contact a Seattle Injury Lawyer for Legal Advice

Sadly, you cannot expect an IME to be fair. It is best to discuss the entire matter with experienced counsel. Call Chris Thayer, an injury lawyers Seattle group, at (206) 340-2008.