Note: Workers’ Compensation law in Pennsylvania is highly complex with many nuances. The section below is a general description of our helping clients understand the role of Independent Medical Examination in Workers’ Compensation cases. For specific questions on your individual circumstances and your individual Workers’ Compensation Claim, please call us at 1.888.536.2426 so we can provide you with the most accurate information possible.
The Confusing Alphabet of Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation has its own confusing language and use of alphabet words to make it difficult for non-lawyers to navigate the system, such as IME’s/URO’s/IRE’s and more. Understanding the rules that apply to each is critical to getting you the maximum level of benefits you need and deserve.
At Lenahan & Dempsey, we successfully and aggressively practice all areas of Workers’ Compensation. We speak the language. We understand the system, and we have recovered millions for our injured at-work and work-from-home clients.
Call us at 1.888.536.2426 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding Your IME Rights in Pennsylvania
While the letters IME stands for Independent Medical Examination, the same is actually an examination conducted by a physician hired by the injured worker’s employer or its insurance carrier. The doctor is not truly “independent” because he is hired and paid by the Workers’ Compensation carrier, and the exam is more correctly called a defense medical examination, or DME.
This DME will often include reviewing the worker's medical records, conducting a physical examination, and formulating an opinion on issues such as the nature and extent of the injury, the need for ongoing treatment, and the worker's ability to return to work.
DME reports are often used by employers or insurance carriers to fight a case in front of a Workers' Compensation judge who makes decisions concerning the future of your case, such as your entitlement to ongoing benefits and treatment. It is vital that you know your rights as it relates to these examinations.
Workers' IME Obligations in Pennsylvania
Many times your employer or its insurance carrier will initiate the IME process. Many times an injured worker is required to attend this IME to determine your current condition The injured worker is not receiving treatment from the IME physician.
Medical Opinions Can Differ
In some instances, the IME physician's assessment of your condition may differ from that of your treating physician. When this situation arises, your Lenahan & Dempsey Workers’ Compensation lawyer will represent you before a Workers’ Compensation judge.
We will aggressively argue your case and work to protect your rights during this entire process.
Best Lawyers In America Honors Attorney Brian Lenahan for Excellence in the Practice of Workers’ Compensation Law
Attorney Brian Lenahan of our office, who heads the Workers’ Compensation Department, is listed in Best Lawyers in America and is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Practitioner in Pennsylvania. He is also listed in the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers – Workers’ Compensation Top 25. He has won Workers’ Compensation awards as high as a million dollars for individual, seriously injured workers. His compassionate and highly detailed approach has helped thousands of injured workers get the money they need and deserve.
We Help Throughout Northeastern/Central PA and The Pocono Mountains
Lenahan & Dempsey Workers’ Compensation lawyers help injured workers every day throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour counties and beyond.
We are available 24/7 at 1.888.536.2426. Call us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. There are no fees until you get the money you deserve.
What Can You Expect When Working With Lenahan & Dempsey
We have recovered Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients across almost all fields of Personal Injury, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers’ Compensation law.
Lenahan & Dempsey is listed in Best Law Firms in America, and we are listed as a Tier 1 law firm (the highest rating). Attorney Brian Lenahan of our office, who heads the Workers’ Compensation Department, is listed in Best Lawyers in America and is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Practitioner in Pennsylvania. He is also listed in the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers – Workers’ Compensation Top 25.
Eight of our lawyers are listed in Best Lawyers in America, and eight are listed as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Three are listed in the Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania, including our Firm President John R. Lenahan, Jr., our Managing Partner Timothy G. Lenahan, and lawyer Matthew Dempsey.
Timothy Lenahan is Best Lawyers In America’s Top Insurance Lawyer for his representation of the injured fighting against large insurers for the region of Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. He has previously been named Best Lawyers Top Personal Injury Lawyer for that region for his work fighting for the rights of injured people.
We fully understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a case can take on victims and their families. Our highly dedicated team of lawyers and paralegals can point to a history of success supporting our clients and winning the money they need to rebuild their lives.
