During the Georgia personal injury claims process, you may be required to undergo an Independent Medical Examination (IME). A Georgia personal injury attorney can help ensure the exam is conducted in an unbiased manner.
One way insurance adjustors attempt to undervalue your personal injury claim is to minimize the extent of the injuries sustained. Insurance companies wish to limit their financial losses and will likely request an IME to ensure your injuries are real and unexaggerated.
The IME will be conducted by a physician who is not your doctor, since it is presumed your regular medical practitioner will be biased in your favor. However, since the insurance company selects the IME doctor, it is arguable that there is a conflict of interest here as well because the services of the examining physician are paid for by the insurer.
IMEs are not optional; there is usually a clause in the insurance policy that requires the injured to submit to one or several IMEs. If you refuse, you could be compelled to participate by the court. In cases in which the IME places a burden upon the plaintiff, such as travelling long distance to the doctor’s office, you may not be compelled to take the IME.
If there is a dispute over who will conduct the IME, a Georgia court may select one for you. It is advisable to have your personal injury lawyer present for the exam to ensure a fair medical assessment. You should bring your medical records, test results, and x-rays with you, and answer all questions about your injuries honestly.
Contacting a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay the resulting costs. Representing clients in Atlanta and Peachtree City, Shane Smith Law Law can ease the legal burden of fighting a personal injury claim on your own. For a copy of their free book 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case or for a complimentary consultation, (980) 246-2656.