• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
jh logo

Kansas City Workers Compensation Lawyer | Missouri

Missouri Workers Compensation Attorney

  • Workers Comp Attorneys
    • Airplane Accident Lawyer
    • Amputation Lawyers
    • Asbestos Lawyer
    • Bone Fracture Lawyer
    • Brain Injury Lawyer
    • Cement Workers Lawyer
    • Construction Lawyer
    • Electrocution Injury Lawyer
    • Falling Debris Injury Lawyer
    • Retail Store Accident Lawyer
    • Slip and Fall Lawyer
    • Welding Injury Lawyer
    • Work Related Injury Lawyer
    • Work Related Stress Lawyers
  • Work Injuries
    • Back Injury at Work
    • Burn Injury
    • Hernia Injury at Work
    • Rib Injury
    • Rotator Cuff Injury at Work
    • Wear and Tear Injury
  • Missouri Work Comp
    • Permanent Partial and Total Disability
  • Case Results
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Work Comp Blog / Why Would My Insurance Company Require an Independent Medical Examination?

Why Would My Insurance Company Require an Independent Medical Examination?

September 1, 2020 by James Hoffmann

Insurance companies often require an independent medical examination because they want to disprove something in your case.

After a workplace injury in Missouri, you need to inform your employer in writing and wait for them to tell you which doctor to go to. This is because in the state the employer is legally allowed to choose your worker’s comp doctor, a decision which they usually leave for the insurance company.

So why would the same insurance company ask for an independent medical examination? Well, in most cases they do it because they want to disprove something in your case.

Independent Medical Examination

What’s an Independent Medical Examination?

An independent medical examination is a review of a person’s condition done by a professional who is considered as ‘objective’ as they have no stake in the issues at hand. This is done to overcome any potential bias of one side.

In Missouri specifically, it’s common for insurance companies to ask for an independent medical examination if your employer allows you to see your own doctor for your worker’s comp treatment. Though they have the right to choose their doctor, some employers won’t object to you seeing your own physician. 

However, even if you get treated by the doctor approved by the insurance company, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be asked to take an IME. Your doctor is the only one who can decide what your treatment is, and the insurance company has no say in the matter regardless if they’ve worked with that doctor before. As a result, it is possible for them to disagree with the treatment the doctor prescribes, and ask for an independent medical examination.

Why IMEs May Be Bad News

Though the process itself should not concern you, the reason the insurance company asked for an independent medical examination should give you pause. It’s usually a sign that they are trying to poke holes in your story and disrupt your claim.

There are a few instances in a worker’s comp claim that may lead the insurance company to ask for an IME:

  • If the doctor prolongs your at-home stay
  • If you need a type of procedure or test that’s not typical in your condition
  • If you are up for disability benefits, in which case you need to negotiate a settlement

If you haven’t worked with a work injury lawyer from the beginning of your claim, you should consider reaching out to one when the insurance company asks for an independent medical examination. It could end up not affecting your case at all, but there is no way to be sure, and a lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected.

Missouri Workers Compensation Attorney

If the insurance company asks for an independent medical examination, they are likely trying to poke holes in your claim. Get in touch with an experienced Missouri workers comp attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and find out how you should proceed in order to protect your rights.

Get FREE Legal Advice

Call today to speak with an experienced Missouri workers compensation attorney!

Call (816) 399-3706

Filed Under: Work Comp Blog Tagged With: Workers Compensation Claim

Updated: February 9, 2021

Footer

FREE CONSULTATION FORM

    Chlorine Cylinders

    Workers’ Compensation for Chlorine Gas Exposure

    January 19, 2023 By James Hoffmann

    Here are a few ways to reduce your risk of exposure to chlorine gas and what you need to know about workers' compensation benefits if you are … [Read More...] about Workers’ Compensation for Chlorine Gas Exposure

    a fatigued worker in a warehouse

    How to Prevent Fatigue at Work – Kansas City Workers Comp Attorney

    January 18, 2023 By James Hoffmann

    Learn about the risks of accidents, injuries, and errors due to fatigue, as well as strategies for reducing fatigue in the workplace. Worker … [Read More...] about How to Prevent Fatigue at Work – Kansas City Workers Comp Attorney

    Law Office of James M. Hoffmann
    Kansas City
    (816) 399-3706

    Missouri Work Comp FAQ

    • What Happens If My Workers’ Compensation Case Goes to Trial?
    • Will Workers Compensation Insurance Pay For My MRI?
    • Can I Get Workers Comp for Stress and Anxiety?
    • Can I Get Workers Compensation for Wear and Tear Injuries?
    • Does Workers Compensation Cover Independent Contractors in Missouri?
    • Workers Compensation Benefits for Scarring and Disfigurement
    • Can I Quit My Job While I’m Receiving Workers Compensation?

    Copyright © 2023 · Law Office of James M. Hoffmann

    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy