Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
What is an Independent Medical Exam?
After being victimized in an accident in Massachusetts, you may have filed a personal injury lawsuit. You have likely already seen your doctor and determined your precise injuries as a result of the accident. Even though you have already received medical treatment for your accident injuries, you may be required to seek an independent medical exam by another doctor to evaluate your condition.
If this occurs, you don’t need to feel discouraged or singled out. An independent medical exam is just what it sounds like: an examination by a neutral third-party physician. It is common for the defendant or their insurance company to request this measure during the discovery phase of your personal injury claim.
Why is an Independent Medical Exam Necessary?
An independent examination is often requested:
- when you are suffering long-term effects from an accident (such as disabling back pain, concussion symptoms, or depression)
- when the defense thinks your doctor my be biased toward your case
- when the defense believes there is fraud involved
After retaining counsel, your Boston injury attorney will consult with the defendant’s lawyers and/or insurance representatives on the matter. The two parties will decide on a physician to be used for the independent medical exam, as well as the date and time of the appointment. You will not have to pay for this consult; the defense will cover all costs involved with the examination.
What You Should Do Before and During an Independent Medical Exam
If you are asked to undergo an independent medical exam, you should:
- Talk to your attorney before the appointment. You may be told which aspects of your injuries and disability to mention to the examining doctor. Your lawyer might also ask you to take notes of your own, or ask specific questions during the evaluation.
- Relax. Try to treat the independent medical exam like any other doctor’s appointment. There is no reason to fear the doctor or question his motives, and you will be treated with the same level of courtesy as any other patient.
- Be prompt and prepared. Do your best to arrive early to the appointment. If the physician’s office has previously requested that you bring medical records, X-rays, charts, or other paperwork with you, be sure to have it all organized and be ready to go over it.
- Be honest. Tell the examining physician all about your injuries and their effect on your health and daily life. Answer all questions as completely and as truthfully as you can. Do NOT attempt to embellish or exaggerate your injuries – this could have an adverse effect on your case if the doctor suspects fraud.
A serious accident can completely change your life. If you have been injured in a car, truck, or other accident in Boston or Andover you should contact a Massachusetts accident attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained, and do you have experience with similar personal injury cases?
Kiley Law Group, a law firm based in Andover, Massachusetts, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
