Work-related accidents could create a complex situation for some. While most injuries are straightforward, many can result in long-term medical issues and problems with benefits. If you fall into the latter category, you might be asked to participate in an exam. Read on to learn more.
The Usual Timeline
Workers' compensation benefits vary by state. However, most insurers are similar in the way they process claims. Once you have received medical treatment for your injury, you can expect the following timeline:
- Inform your supervisor of the injury or illness and file a claim with the employer's workers' compensation insurer.
- Begin receiving regular payments from the insurer. The amount is a percentage of your normal salary.
- You can expect payment for all medical treatments, medications, and more.
- Most workers heal and are ordered to return to work.
- Some workers are asked to participate in an independent medical examination (IME).
What is an IME?
This exam is meant to give the insurer more information about your health status. Some workers need a bit more time off from work to continue their recovery. However, some may be ready to go back to work, but their workers' compensation doctor has not yet made that decision. A third possibility is that a worker is not going to be able to return to work and will be ruled to have a permanent injury.
What Happens at the Exam?
The IME is unlike other medical exams. You will be seen by a new doctor that is unfamiliar with your treatment. That means you should be ready to explain what happened to cause your injury or illness and what treatments you have had so far. The current state of your injury is of primary concern, however. The doctor will determine whether you should return to work, need more time, or should be deemed permanently disabled.
You may ask a friend or loved one to come into the exam room with you and you can also take any paperwork or files with you. Consider the below tips for the IME:
- Don't downplay your injury or your pain level. However, don't exaggerate it either.
- When possible, use medical terminology to describe your injuries.
- Let the doctor know if you are dealing with pain, discomfort, swelling, stiffness, and other issues and how often they occur. Be precise and describe the conditions under which you experience pain.
It's important to understand your rights after an IME. Speak to a workers' compensation lawyer and learn about getting a second opinion IME and what else can be done to ensure you are paid the benefits you deserve.
The world is a crazy place, and you never know when you will be faced with an uphill legal battle. I didn't used to feel like I was at a high risk for being sued, but after dealing with various business concerns, I could tell that I needed to procure an attorney. I was faced with a few problems such as managing my employees and dealing with a pending lawsuit, and I didn't know what to do or how to go about managing various issues. Fortunately, my lawyer understood what we needed to do to work things out, and we managed things appropriately. On this website, find out how to identify your rights and take care of business.