As a law firm that represents people who have been injured, our clients often have to submit to what the defense refers to as an “Independent Medical Examination”. They are actually a “Defense Medical Examination” or “DME” and they are far from independent. At a DME, the plaintiff is examined by a doctor of the defendant’s choice. The examination is then used to help the defendant prove that the plaintiff’s injuries are less severe than what have been claimed. It is very important that clients understand the DME and that they are properly prepared before attending the examination.
A DME can be very overwhelming and frightening for a client, so it is extremely important for an attorney to prepare their client and put them at ease. The following are some tips when attending a Defense Medical Examination:
Be honest and be yourself;
Don’t be difficult;
Be on time for the examination;
Give your best effort on tests;
Don’t exaggerate your injuries;
Take someone with you to the examination;
Don’t offer more information than necessary;
Don’t guess during questioning;
Don’t perform tests or answer questions that you shouldn’t; and
Finally, discuss with your attorney in detail, prior to the examination, what to expect and go over any specific instructions.
If you ever have to attend a DME, hopefully these tips help ease some of your fears. However, be sure to talk with your attorney for specific instructions, as each case is unique.
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