SubscribeColorado workers’ compensation laws require you to be seen by a doctor for what’s known as an independent medical examination if your employer requests it. The exam will be done by a doctor usually chosen by the employer’s work comp insurance company. This doctor almost never is “independent” – they’re almost always a hired-gun paid to give a medical report in the employer’s favor. That aside, because you are required to submit to the exam, here are a couple tips on making the best of the visit.
Be polite and cooperate as best you can. Being defensive or presenting a bad attitude will work against you. You’ll have a chance to challenge a bad medical opinion later, and can present evidence from your own doctor then.
Make notes on your injuries, and bring them with you. Explain how you were injured and what symptoms are keeping you from working. Also explain how your everyday life has been affected. Talk about how your work injury has aggravated any preexisting conditions, if that’s the case.
Leave your records at home. As a general rule, you’re not required to bring your own records to the exam. The insurance company can get them on its own – and, in fact, probably already has. An exception is if you have a medical record or report that supports your claim, such as a positive MRI report, you can bring that to the appointment.
Remember that the doctor you will see is not on your side, had no doctor-patient relationship with you, and likely has little interest in hearing about your injury. Answer the doctor’s questions, but say as little as you need to and don’t volunteer any information, unless you’re certain it is something that will help your case.
Don’t sign any medical releases or other documents without first talking with your workers’ comp lawyer at The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya. You can tell the doctor that you will take the documents home to review.
And last, don’t exaggerate or fake any symptoms. The doctor will be able to tell during the exam, and it will hurt your case.
If you’ve been hurt in a work accident, give me a call me at (303) 758-4777, email me at DLS@dlslawfirm.com or visit us on the web at www.dlslawfirm.com. Let’s talk about your case. There’s no cost or obligation. We’ll help you get the money you and your family deserve for the work injuries you’ve suffered. And remember: If we take your case, we don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Please add a comment
Leave a Reply