What is an Independent Medical Examination?
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is an examination carried out by a doctor who is not normally involved with the individual patient’s care. This typically occurs after a workplace injury, in which the injury may require a second opinion to see if the individual may require compensation.
An IME is often requested by an employer to their employee or an insurance company to a policyholder. The doctor that carries out the IME is appointed by the employer or insurer to determine the extent of a person’s injuries or disabilities. IME’s are regular parts of workers’ compensation processes and general personal injury or disability claims. In the case of workers’ compensation, the report following an IME directly relates to the level of compensation a workers may receive.
IMEs are meant to be impartial. However, they are widely believed to be biased. Because IME doctors are usually referred to and paid by an employer or insurance company, it is often believed that they have an incentive to limit compensation. In addition, because the examinations are not carried out by a individual’s regular doctor, there is a concern as to how well an IME can provide them proper recommendations even if they are not biased.
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Maximum Medical Improvement in Workers’ Compensation
Achieving Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is an important step in workers’ compensation cases, signifying that a person’s condition has reached a stable point and that no major improvements are anticipated. However, this doesn’t mean you’re fully healed. Many workers mistakenly assume that once they reach MMI, they are completely recovered.
In reality, they may still experience ongoing pain and limitations or require future care. It’s important to understand the implications of MMI on your benefits and compensation, as it can impact your settlement and eligibility for permanent disability benefits. Our experienced attorneys can help you handle this phase and ensure your rights and future needs are fully considered.
Understanding Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in Workers’ Comp Cases
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) marks when your injury stabilizes, not when you’re fully recovered. Think of it as reaching a plateau in your medical treatment, […]
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Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When you need a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer who fights relentlessly for injured workers, turn to Munley Law. Our experienced attorneys understand how a workplace accident can devastate your life – leaving you with mounting medical bills while you’re unable to earn a paycheck. We’ve seen insurance companies deny valid claims and employers try to force injured workers back too soon.
Our board-certified workers’ compensation attorney will ensure you receive your benefits while protecting your rights from the insurance company. Employers often don’t understand the law surrounding workers’ compensation and will try to force you back to work as soon as possible before the doctor clears you. We will make sure that doesn’t happen.
Why Hire a Philadelphia Workers’ Comp Lawyer at Munley Law
If you are among the millions of Americans who have suffered a job-related injury, […]
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Easton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When you are injured at work, medical expenses can quickly add up. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help workers with financial support in the event of a workplace injury due to an accident or repetitive stress (such as back injuries or carpal tunnel) or work-related illnesses from poor, unsanitary, or unsafe working conditions.
Whether your injury occurred in Easton, Allentown, or elsewhere in the Lehigh Valley, finding an experienced Easton workers’ compensation lawyer can help. The team of dedicated attorneys at Munley Law’s Lehigh Valley law office will work tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum workplace injury benefits.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, don’t panic. The experienced attorneys at Munley Law in Easton can help you appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you are entitled to. We have a strong track record of successfully handling denied claims and will use our expertise to advocate for you. […]
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Personal Injury Glossary Terms
This glossary provides a quick-access resource for looking up definitions of terms you will likely encounter while seeking compensation.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W
A
Accident Report — A detailed official record of an incident created on-site by an authority figure such as a police officer or hospital staff member.
Act of God — An unforeseen event caused by natural forces without human involvement that couldn’t have been prevented with reasonable care, […]
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Reading Workers’ Compensation FAQs
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a state-sponsored insurance program that provides compensation for workers suffering injury or illness. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation was mandated in the 1914 Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act as a safety net for individuals who become injured or sick as a result of job-related duties or conditions. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to pay for medical expenses and lost wages when you suffer a work-related injury, become ill, or aggravate an existing injury or disease while on the job.
All PA employers are obligated by the Commonwealth to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Most employees are covered by workers’ compensation regardless of their status as part-time or full-time and regardless of their immigration status. Whether you are a full-time, part-time, seasonal, or immigrant worker regardless of your immigration status who was injured or became sick while on the job, […]
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