What Is an “IME” in a Delray Beach Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit?

An independent medical exam (IME) could be a crucial part of your slip-and-fall lawsuit in Delray Beach. If you’re not sure what this process entails, you’re not alone. You can work with an experienced Delray Beach slip and fall lawyer to review all important concepts related to your upcoming lawsuit. With this type of legal assistance, you can feel confident while pursuing compensation.

An IME Is Like a Second Opinion

You’re probably already familiar with the concept of a “second opinion.” After a diagnosis from one doctor, you might be curious to hear what a different doctor has to say. This can help you establish a more confident overview of not only the exact nature of your injuries, but also the prognosis and potential treatment options.

An independent medical exam is a similar concept, although it may serve a slightly different purpose in the world of personal injury. If you’re facing an IME, you might not have requested it. Instead, the opposing party (the defendant) may have asked you to submit to this IME during the pre-trial “discovery” phase.

During discovery, both sides have the right to gather as much relevant information as possible. Since a personal injury lawsuit is centered around your injuries, medical records prove especially important during this fact-finding process. As a result, the opposing side may ask a doctor they trust to examine you.

What Happens During an IME?

IMEs can be daunting because you need to submit to an examination by a doctor whom you don’t know or trust. During this examination, you have the right to have a witness present. You can even videotape the entire examination if you choose. You shouldn’t try to avoid these examinations or interfere with the doctor in any way.

Does an IME Mean They Think I’m Lying About My Injuries?

An IME request doesn’t necessarily mean that the defense thinks you’re lying about your injuries. It simply means that they want an opportunity to collect objective information about your situation. That being said, some critics believe that certain doctors rely on insurance companies for their income, and they therefore examine you in such a way that is beneficial to their employers. In other words, they may try to downplay the severity of your injuries in order to reduce losses for the insurer.

Rest assured that even if a doctor concludes that you are exaggerating your injuries after an IME, you can push back with many effective strategies. Your lawyer can cross-examine the doctor and point out potential issues with their logic. Your lawyer might also point out that the doctor is inherently biased because they receive payment from the insurance company.

Can a Delray Beach Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Help Me?

A Delray Beach slip-and-fall lawyer may be able to help you understand concepts like “independent medical exams” as you pursue compensation. More importantly, a lawyer can help you prepare for these steps. If you’d like to get started, you can contact Steinberg Law today.

Sources: 

albanylawscitech.org/article/19222-a-guide-to-the-independent-medical-examination.pdf

circuit7.org/wp-content/uploads/MGJ_Independent_Medical_Examinations.pdf