Protect yourself from Dishonest Insurance Medical Examiners and “Hired Guns”

When a Defendant’s Insurance Company cannot defeat a negligence claim they will often attack the claims for harms and losses by hiring a doctor to do their bidding. These “hired guns” derive a large part of their incomes from doing reports for insurance companies and testifying against injured car crash and dog attack victims in court.

Yesterday we discussed so-called “Independent Medical Examinations” (“IMEs”) which are scheduled to assist insurance defense lawyers and insurance companies that seek to deny, delay and discount claims for health care and medical expenses. This is why you need a personal injury attorney if you are seeking payment for your injuries. Without the help of a lawyer’s experience and expertise, you could walk away from the table empty-handed. You have two strategies in this process. Keep the insurance company doctor’s examination honest, and take steps to have your own expert to counter any adverse results. In today’s post we will discuss the former, tomorrow the latter action to take.

You have the right to have a witness attend the exam with you. Even combatants going to a duel would bring their “seconds.” At ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd, we recommend that you do not go alone. However, if the person going with you is not a relative, the physician may be able to not allow them to attend. Ask someone such as a sister, brother, spouse, or adult child to attend the IME with you. Remember, “the best surprise is no surprise,” so call ahead to make sure that you can have someone with you and to find out if any paperwork, films (such as x-rays) or other material is needed in advance. See tomorrow’s post for additional ammunition to protect you and your family from these insurance company doctors’ practices.

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