When you’re injured on the job in Minnesota, the workers’ compensation process can feel like one step forward, two steps back.
Just as you’re getting treatment and starting to understand your benefits, you might be told you need to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
Unlike a regular doctor’s visit, an IME is scheduled by the insurance company and not your physician. What comes out of this medical examination can heavily influence your case, which is why it’s important to know what to expect, how to handle it, and why you need a workers’ comp lawyer in St. Paul or Minneapolis.
What Is an IME?
An Independent Medical Examination is an evaluation arranged by your employer’s insurance company. The goal is to get an outside opinion about your injury. This can include questions about how serious it is, whether it’s work-related, and whether you’re able to return to your job.
Even though it’s called “independent,” the IME doctor is chosen and paid by the insurance company. That doesn’t mean the exam is fake, but it does mean the results might not always work in your favor.
If you’re working with work injury attorneys in Minnesota, this is one of the first things they’ll help you prepare for.
Why Are You Being Sent to an IME?
Sometimes, insurance companies question your diagnosis or treatment plan. Other times, they want to check if your condition has improved enough for you to go back to work.
An IME might also be used to decide if your benefits should continue, stop, or change. If you’ve been seeing your doctor regularly, this second opinion can either support or conflict with what’s already on file.
When this happens, a workers comp lawyer in St. Paul will often step in to make sure your rights are protected throughout the process.
What Happens During the Exam?
Most IMEs are brief. The doctor will review your medical history, ask about the injury, and examine you. The doctor may also check your range of motion, ask about your pain levels, or test your ability to do certain tasks.
The IME is not the time to downplay your symptoms. Be honest and accurate about what you’re experiencing. Don’t exaggerate, but don’t hold back either.
The doctor will likely not treat you or offer medical advice — their only job is to write a report based on the visit. This report could carry a lot of weight in how your case moves forward.
How Should You Prepare?
Preparation makes a difference. Take time to review your injury timeline, including when it happened, what treatment you’ve received, and how it has affected your work and daily life.
Bring a list of symptoms if it helps you stay focused. If your movement is limited, let the doctor know. If the pain worsens with certain tasks, describe how and when.
Also, plan to arrive early. Being on time or a few minutes ahead helps avoid any issues that could be used against you later.
Many work comp lawyers near Minneapolis recommend treating the exam with the same seriousness you’d give to a legal hearing.
What Not To Do
Avoid casual conversation with the IME doctor. Keep your answers short, factual, and focused on your injury. Don’t speculate or offer opinions about what might have caused the problem unless directly asked.
Don’t lie, exaggerate, or try to “perform” pain. These exams are often observed carefully, and your credibility matters.
Also, don’t assume the exam is just routine. The doctor’s report may be used to change your benefits, and it could show up in court later if there’s a dispute.
After the IME: What Comes Next?
After your exam, the doctor will send a report to the insurance company. This report is not automatically shared with you. If the findings go against your claim, the insurer might try to reduce or stop your benefits.
That’s often the moment people realize how much is at stake. If you haven’t already contacted a lawyer, this is a good time to talk to someone. A skilled legal team can request a copy of the report, challenge unfair findings, and work to keep your benefits on track.
How Work Comp Lawyers Near Minnesota Can Help
You don’t need to face this alone. IMEs are one of the more technical parts of the workers’ comp process, and the results can affect your financial security, your treatment plan, and even your ability to keep working.
By working with someone who understands Minnesota’s laws, you improve your chances of protecting your benefits. Work injury attorneys in Minnesota by your side can:
- Explain what to expect
- Review your medical records
- Coach you on how to answer questions
- Challenge the IME report
- Gather supporting evidence
- Represent you in hearings
Having a lawyer on your side means you’re not facing the system alone. You’ll have someone protecting your rights and fighting for the benefits you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been scheduled for an IME, don’t take it lightly. How you handle that one appointment can shape the outcome of your entire workers’ comp case.
The process may feel stacked against you, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.