Independent Medical Examinations: Minnesota Workers Compensation Attorney
In Minnesota, one of the most common ways that insurance companies try to get out of paying workers’ compensation benefits is to send you to what’s known as an independent medical exam or IME. In our experience, the vast majority of independent medical exams do not come back in favor of the injured worker.
Our lawyers are proud to bring our decades of experience to bear on your workers’ compensation case. If you have been asked to go to an IME, our lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss your rights and your options.
Do I Have to Go to an IME?
Yes. If you receive a letter from the insurance carrier telling you to see a doctor for an independent medical exam at a certain time and place, you are required to go.
The doctor you see will be working for the insurance company and your employer, not for you. As a result, he or she is likely to say that you are ready to return to work following your exam. However, that doesn’t mean necessarily that your benefits will stop.
The IME doctor will base his or her opinion on an examination of about 20 minutes. Our lawyers will argue that the opinion of your treating doctor should carry more weight concerning your disability than a doctor who only saw you one time.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Many injuries and occupational diseases are covered by workers’ compensation, so long as they are work-related. Some of the most common types of worker injuries include:
- Back, neck and shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Migraines
- Mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress syndrome or depression
Injuries don’t have to be caused by one specific event. Disabilities that occur in increments over time are compensable under workers’ compensation.
Free Initial Attorney Consultation
At Heimerl & Lammers, our lawyers charge no up-front fees. We do not receive payment unless we recover compensation for you. If you have been asked to go to an IME or have been denied workers’ compensation benefits, contact us today so we can start working immediately to get you the benefits you need to recover.