Here are four essential things the IME doctor will typically want to know after a work-related orthopedic injury.
After suffering a work-related orthopedic injury, your employer’s insurer may request that you undergo an independent medical examination (IME) with their doctor. This is usually a one-time exam meant to help the insurer determine the nature and severity of your injuries.
Here are four essential things the IME doctor will typically want to know after a work-related orthopedic injury.
The Nature of Your Injury
The first thing the IME doctor will want to know is how your accident and injuries happened. As such, you may be required to write down the events that led to your injuries and describe all the parts that got hurt. In this case, it would be best to mention all the parts that took a hit, even if there are no visible injuries or you are not feeling any pain at the moment. Be honest and avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your injuries. Even if your claim is legitimate, exaggerating or misrepresenting your pain and injuries can ruin your chance of getting fair compensation.
Past Medical History
The IME doctor also will want to know whether you have been in an accident before. And if you have been in a prior accident, they will want to see the records of the injuries. You should generally avoid sharing your medical records without consulting your workers’ comp attorney.
Your medical records may contain information that could be used against you, so call your attorney before you share them.
Concurrent Employment
Another thing that the IME doctor will want to know is whether you work more than one job. If you do, the doctor will ask more about your other job(s) to determine if they’re related to your injuries.
Recreational Activities
The doctor may also ask you about your recreational activities. Again, this may seem like an innocent question but beware; it may later be claimed that your hobby contributed to your injury and, therefore, you don’t qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
St. Louis Work Injury Lawyers
Have you been injured at work? You don’t have to pursue compensation alone. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you file your claim, gather evidence, and demonstrate clearly why your claim is legitimate. Most importantly, an attorney can negotiate with the employer’s insurer on your behalf to get you the compensation you legally deserve.
At The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have over 30 years of experience helping injured workers get justice. Contact us today for a free case review.