Medical malpractice cases involve complex legal processes to prove negligent behavior by a medical provider and the extent of a patient’s related injuries. An independent medical exam is a vital piece of evidence in these cases to help insurers and attorneys understand the full impact of injuries and the cost of current and future medical care. However, it is crucial for injured patients to understand the purpose of the exam and how it will be used in their case. The impact of an independent medical exam in a Bronx medical malpractice case can be used to prove details that increase or limit the amount of compensation a patient is eligible to receive. An experienced medical malpractice attorney could help you prepare for your exam and explain how it affects your claim.
An independent medical exam (IME) is a medical examination carried out by a physician who has no existing relationship with the patient. Choosing an independent provider helps foster the doctor’s objectivity to decrease potential bias in the report.
Depending on the nature of the injuries and the medical claim, one or more parties may order an IME. It is common for the defendant’s insurer to order an independent exam to confirm or deny the extent of a patient’s injuries without potential bias. An injured person’s lawyer in The Bronx may order an IME to prove the extent of injuries and how they will contribute to future medical costs or lost wages, which can affect a medical malpractice claim’s final damages award. Regardless of who orders the exam, it is crucial for a patient to be honest during the exam and provide all requested information.
The results of an independent medical exam can have a significant impact on any medical malpractice case in The Bronx. The goal of an IME is to provide an unbiased professional medical opinion of the severity of injuries to support or deny the full amount of a plaintiff’s compensation claim. The medical provider will look for the following key things during the exam.
A successful medical malpractice claim hinges on the fact that an error made by a medical professional resulted in injuries to the plaintiff. The independent physician will begin by confirming the presence of injuries caused by the incident. Injuries may be visible, revealed through medical imaging tests, or determined by the patient’s limitations.
Insurance companies that cover the negligent provider often request an IME to determine if a plaintiff is exaggerating their injuries in an effort to get a bigger settlement. Medical providers will assess whether the patient is limiting their recovery or restricting their activity when the injury does not cause those limitations.
Often, medical malpractice creates injuries that require ongoing medical care. A dedicated attorney will advocate for the rights of their client to get a fair claim that pays all medical costs related to the incident. The independent medical provider will examine the case and injuries to determine all current and future medical needs of the patient and their costs.
The impact of an independent medical exam in a Bronx medical malpractice case cannot be overstated. The medical provider can be considered an expert in the case, making their opinion pivotal to the final decision rendered by an insurance company, judge, or jury. An IME can be used to confirm or refute the patient’s claims, making it crucial for injured individuals to partner with an experienced malpractice attorney. The attorneys at Duffy & Duffy have extensive experience handling all types of malpractice claims and the impact of an IME in these cases. We can help you prepare for all the legal aspects associated with your malpractice claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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Each case we encounter is carefully screened and evidence scrutinized to make sure the claim is meritorious and may be successful at trial. We will perform an investigation, and then our partners make a final decision on whether to take on a case.