(This is not an independent medical examination.)

In the event that suit is filed in your case, the defendant has the right to have you examined by a physician of his or her choice. The insurance company will pay the cost of this examination. A report will be rendered to the insurance company attorneys and to us, showing the doctor’s findings and the physician's opinion concerning your injuries.

Since you may be examined by a doctor on behalf of the defendant and the insurance company, and this examination and the doctor’s testimony may be used at trial, here are some suggestions and helpful hints:

Preparation and attitude

Be on time for the appointment, even though some insurance doctors are over-booked and you may wait a considerable time before seeing the doctor. Be prompt and be patient.

The doctor is paid by the insurance company. Do not pay him anything. Remember, the doctor is not your friend; he works for the other side and is interested in minimizing your problems. Nevertheless, avoid being antagonistic toward him.

Talking to the doctor

Do not discuss blame or talk about how the incident happened with the doctor. His job is to evaluate the extent of your injury; not decide who is at fault. The doctor will ask you how you were injured. Answer that question without giving details concerning the incident itself.

Tell your doctor each and every complaint. Let him decide whether your complaint is related to the incident. Start at the top of your head and work down your entire body, telling each injury and pain to the doctor. Do not minimize or leave out any injury, no matter how minor it appears to you. Remember, this doctor’s job is to downplay your injuries when reporting to the insurance company -- do not help him find little or nothing wrong with you. Don't be afraid to sound like a complainer. If your complaints are legitimate, describe them fully.

Tell the doctor how any pain affects your daily life. If the accident left you unable to work, give that information to the doctor. Were you able to do your household chores? Did you have to drop out of the bowling league due to pain? Is it difficult to sleep? Has your married life changed? Were you assigned lighter duties at work? All this information may be important in the doctor’s overall evaluation of your injury.

General Rules

Tell the truth! Do not hide information about previous accidents or injuries. Such information will not hurt your case in any way.

Be polite to the doctor and let him do his job. If he proposes a test that you find highly unusual, you can refuse it.

The doctor may be friendly, but the written report will be strictly business-like, and it's not always in your best interests. Work with the physician, but keep in mind that his job is not to find how much but how little you are hurt.

Before your compulsory medical examination, we will send you a letter confirming the date and time of your appointment. We also will provide you with a questionnaire to take with you to the examination. Immediately after the examination is completed, complete this questionnaire and return it to our office.