Tips For Navigating A Personal Injury Medical Exam
When you sue for a personal injury, the defense may request their own medical exam. The defendant or their insurance company chooses a doctor to verify that your injuries are real. This is an allowed part of the proceedings are you are usually required to comply. The following tip guide will help you navigate this examination without compromising your case.
Tip #1: Fill out intake forms in advance
If possible, request to have the intake forms sent to you in advance so you can fill them out before your appointment. This way you won't feel rushed and you are more likely to fill them out correctly and not overlook anything. If this isn't possible, arrive well in advance of your appointment so that you can make sure you fill out everything correctly. Accidentally omitting important health information could affect your case later.
Tip #2: Keep all receipts
There may be costs associated with the appointment, such as if you need to pay for parking, take a taxi, or miss work to attend. Your lawyer will want copies of all such receipts so they can demand reimbursement or at least at these costs onto the final amount of your settlement.
Tip #3: Be patient
You aren't a regular client for the defense doctor, which means your appointment was likely squeezed in and all the regular patients will come first. Bring a book and relax during your wait. If you go into the appointment angry or frustrated, you may say something to the doctor that you will later regret.
Tip #4: Write it down
It's a good idea to write down your medical history before the appointment, including medications that you currently take, any chronic conditions you have, past injuries or conditions, and the current injury or condition for which the doctor is checking for. You can bring this paper with you to share detailed info, such as the exact prescription amount or year of an injury, but don't read from it verbatim. Having a written medical history ensures you don't leave out anything. Even accidentally omitting key information to the doctor can be used against you in court.
Tip #5: Stay friendly but guarded
Many doctors and nurses have excellent bedside manners, which can make you feel comfortable enough to overshare about your life. While you should be friendly and pleasant, you do need to be careful and only answer questions as they pertain to your case. Remember, this doctor works for the defense so they are collecting information that could be used against you.
For more help in navigating this medical exam, contact a personal injury attorney in your area.
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