Recording Independent Medical Examinations In Michigan: A Warning For Claimants

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Recording Independent Medical Examinations: A Warning For Claimants

We have written several blog posts about the independent medical examination and how it is used against people. It is a real shame because many people believe this is a second opinion from someone who wants to help them recover. Doctors are handpicked by insurance companies and make careers out of testifying against disabled employees. Here is a warning about recording independent medical examinations and how to protect legal rights.

Michigan law requires that anyone with a workers’ comp claim submit to a medical examination ordered by the employer or its insurance carrier. It is common for our clients to receive short notice of the independent medical examination. They will be asked to bring medical records and digital imaging such as CT scans or MRI films.

Michigan law prohibits people from recording independent medical examinations. Attorneys are not allowed to attend and even family members will not be permitted into the examination room. The only exception to these rules would be a doctor of a person’s own choosing. Unfortunately, many disabled employees cannot afford to have their doctor attend with them.

Our experience shows the independent medical examination takes less than 15 minutes and can be very uncomfortable. The doctor asks personal questions and does a physical examination. A written report will be drafted and sent to the insurance company. It is very common that workers’ comp benefits are cut-off based upon this IME report. It is typically found that a person has fully recovered or was never suffering from a work-related injury in the first place. This happens months or years after a claim was submitted and it does not matter what the treating doctor believes.

It is natural for disabled employees to want to protect themselves when scheduled for an independent medical examination. This includes recording independent medical examinations with audio or video equipment. It is very easy to sneak a cellular phone into the exam room, but this is a bad idea.

Michigan workers’ comp benefits can be stopped if the insurance company thinks a person has recorded and obstructed the independent medical examination in any way. This includes not showing up when required and making the examination difficult. Recording independent medical examinations can lead doctors to cancelling the appointment if it is discovered.

Biased medical opinions should be challenged in court. We tell our clients to keep a pen and notebook in their car. To protect yourself, write down everything that was said and done immediately following the independent medical examination. These notes can be used at trial to refresh memory about how the exam really went. It can also be very helpful for an attorney who will be cross examining the doctor. A magistrate will ultimately decide whether to believe the independent medical examination or reject its conclusions.

Injured on the job in Michigan? Call now, our attorneys can help!

If you were injured on the job in Michigan, have questions about recording an independent medical examination and how that can affect your workers’ comp claim or if you have questions about your IME exam or doctor, call now to speak with an experienced attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.

Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

IME Doctor Tricks To Be Aware Of

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.