When applying for Personal Injury Protection benefits (in Florida), an insurance carrier maintains the right to ask an injured claimant to submit to an “independent” medical examination (IME) by an approved doctor. These exams are meant to diagnose the validity of an injury; determine the severity of the injury; and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Problems with Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
Unfortunately, an “independent” doctor may have a financial incentive to diminish the legitimacy of an injured person’s claim because he is paid by the insurance company who is supposed to be paying your bills. An “independent” doctor may downplay the severity of a condition (i.e, saying “he’s fine” or “no more treatment necessary”), claiming it is unrelated to the accident or is the result of a preexisting injury that has been re-aggravated. In other cases, a doctor may accuse a patient of fabricating the circumstances surrounding their injury or even lying about the ailment by saying he/she is “malingering”.
Tips for Patients
The following are helpful tips to keep in mind before, during, and after your independent medical exam:
- If possible, have someone accompany you to your IME, such as your attorney or a nurse. This person should take detailed notes or, if permissible, make a video or an audio recording of the exam. This is especially important because this evidence may be admissible in court in the event a dispute arises between patient and doctor.
- Do not sign any paperwork, other than a sign-in sheet, without an attorney’s permission.
- Be honest and polite with the IME doctor. In many cases, a patient’s conduct during their IME can affect the result of their claim.
- Be forthcoming about any previous injuries. Do not minimize or exaggerate any ailment.
- Do not speak to the doctor about the insurance company, adjusters, or attorneys.
- Do not discuss any potential settlement.
- Provide a thorough history of symptoms and medical treatment relevant to your condition.
- Make the doctor aware of any pain you experience during your exam.
- Remember that you are being observed at all times during your IME. Doctors are often trained by insurance companies to look out for any suspicious patient behavior.
Prior to an independent medical exam, it is advisable to seek the advice of an attorney. Before your IME, an attorney may be able to foresee questions a doctor may ask and help prepare the right answers.
If you are injured or have any questions on what to do if you are injured in a car accident, give us a call at 813.755.9500. Tampa auto accident attorneys and Tampa personal injury lawyers
