When you’ve been injured at work and pursue a workers’ compensation claim, your employer’s insurance company is going to look for ways to deny you the financial support that you need. One way they do this is by requiring you to undergo an independent medical examination so that a second opinion on your medical condition and its impact on your ability to work can be obtained. Given the stakes involved in this examination, you need to be prepared heading into it.
How to prepare for your independent medical examination
It can be stressful to see a new medical professional, especially when you feel like they may not be acting in your best interests. But, before heading to your independent medical examination, you should be sure to do the following to protect your interests:
- Anticipate the questions that the doctor may ask and practice your answers.
- Act in ways that are consistent with your injuries or illness so that you don’t give the medical examiner a presentation that doesn’t line up.
- Don’t minimize the severity of your injuries and your symptoms.
- Don’t exaggerate the impact of your injuries.
- Be honest about every aspect of your condition.
- Know your medical history.
- Choose your words wisely and think before you speak.
The independent medical examination can play a significant role in your workers’ compensation case, so you need to ensure that you’re fully prepared for it heading in. Don’t skimp on your preparations, otherwise you could make an otherwise avoidable mistake that leads to claim denial.
Build the effective workers’ compensation claim you need
There are a lot of moving pieces to a successful workers’ compensation claim. If you want to navigate them appropriately, then you need to know some common pitfalls and how to appropriately apply the law to the facts of your case. Fortunately, you can find help in doing just that.