Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Law: Is an Independent Medical Examination “IME” Provided by the State of Wisconsin?

Another common question I receive as an attorney is:

Is an Independent Medical Examination “IME” provided by the State of Wisconsin?

Answer:  Often times, people assume that because an examination is referred to as an Independent Medical Examination or “IME” it must be independent and you should go to such examination without any risk. It is anything but independent and it is not paid for or sponsored by the State of Wisconsin. An IME is paid for by the insurance company who generally refers claimants to certain doctors to get reports that are favorable to the insurance company. If this so called independent doctor, who is paid for by the insurance company, finds that your injury is not caused as you claim, you could lose some if not all of your rights.  This examination could claim that you have fully recovered without any physical limitations or were not hurt at all, just to name a couple of potential findings.  It is a basis for the insurance company to deny benefits. It is one of those events that, when scheduled, you should immediately contact a worker’s compensation attorney before the examination. Often times, within weeks of the examination your benefits may be cut or totally eliminated.

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Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC

As the owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC, it is Stephanie’s mission to address each client’s goals for their estate plan. By identifying their wishes and concerns she can educate, guide, and counsel on the different tools and options that will effectively and efficiently accomplish those goals.

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