Personal injury cases often require thorough and objective medical evaluations. At Bay Area Sports Medicine, our Independent Medical Legal Examination (IME) service provides both the plaintiff and defendant with a professional and unbiased assessment of injuries related to legal claims. With over 30 years of experience, our team is highly equipped to provide reliable, expert medical opinions that help clarify the complexities of a case.
Independent Medical Legal Exam
Independent Medical Legal Exam
What is an Independent Medical Legal Examination?
An Independent Medical Legal Examination (IME) is an evaluation requested during litigation, typically by an insurance company or defense attorney, to assess the extent of a claimant’s injuries. This examination aims to gather unbiased medical information that will help determine the cause of injury, the appropriate level of treatment, and if there is any permanent damage.
At Bay Area Sports Medicine, we aim to offer an objective medical opinion based on a thorough review of medical records and a detailed physical examination of the claimant. Our evaluations focus on understanding the relationship between the injury and the event in question and providing clear, evidence-based reports that can withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings.
The IME process: what to expect
An Independent Medical Legal Examination typically begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any prior injuries, surgeries, or treatments. This is followed by a physical examination, which may include diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging studies to assess the current condition of the injury.
During the examination, our team will ask questions directly related to the injury and treatment history. We take great care to ensure the examination remains professional, maintaining the claimant’s dignity while focusing on gathering objective data. Depending on the complexity of the injury, the examination can take up to two hours.
Our commitment to unbiased medical reporting
At Bay Area Sports Medicine, we take pride in our commitment to impartiality. Our role in the IME process is to provide a fair, evidence-based medical opinion. While we understand that the results may have significant implications for both parties, our obligation is to the truth.
Each IME report we produce includes a detailed summary of the examination, medical history, and any relevant diagnostic tests. We also provide our professional opinion on the cause of the injury, the extent of damage, and the appropriate treatment. Our reports are clear, concise, and designed to be easily understood by legal professionals, ensuring they can be effectively used in mediation or trial settings.
Protecting your rights during an IME
It is important to remember that the IME is not a doctor-patient relationship but an assessment to provide objective medical information for legal purposes. However, you are entitled to certain rights during the process. We recommend that claimants have a legal representative or witness present during the examination to ensure all procedures are conducted ethically and within the scope of the case. We also encourage claimants to be honest and straightforward in their responses, as exaggerating symptoms can undermine the credibility of the evaluation.
Why choose Bay Area Sports Medicine for your IME?
Our orthopedic specialists have decades of experience in conducting Independent Medical Legal Examinations. We specialize in various musculoskeletal conditions, including knee and shoulder injuries, fractures, and other orthopedic issues. With our extensive background in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, we are well-positioned to provide comprehensive assessments that address every aspect of a personal injury case. Contact us today to schedule your IME or to learn more about our services.