In a personal injury case, an independent medical evaluation (IME) is an essential step to assess a plaintiff’s injuries and the potential impact on their life. In this article, we will outline the role of orthopedic surgeon assessments and how they can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
The Role of the Orthopedic Surgeon in IMEs
An orthopedic surgeon plays a vital role in personal injury cases. Their job is to comprehensively and accurately assess the plaintiff’s orthopedic upper extremity injuries. The assessment typically involves a physical examination and a review of the plaintiff’s medical history, diagnostic imaging, and other relevant information.
Assessment of a Plaintiff’s Upper Extremity Injuries is Relevant to a Court
When a plaintiff has suffered an upper extremity injury, the court needs to understand the nature and extent of the injury and its impact on the plaintiff’s life. An orthopedic surgeon’s report is critical evidence that can influence the outcome of the case. It includes a diagnosis, a description of the plaintiff’s functional limitations and restrictions, and an opinion on the plaintiff’s prognosis and potential for future treatment.
The Orthopedic Surgeon’s Expertise and Experience
Orthopedic surgeons have extensive expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating upper extremity injuries. They can identify the root cause of a plaintiff’s physical injuries, such as a rotator cuff tear or wrist fracture. Examining the plaintiff’s injury, medical history, and diagnostic imaging can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the potential impact of the injury on the plaintiff’s life.
The Orthopedic Surgeon IME Matters in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The orthopedic surgeon’s IME report can illustrate the extent of the plaintiff’s damages, including compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses. This is why having an orthopedic surgeon is essential in building a strong personal injury case.
Here are a few studies on how orthopedic surgeons help bring clarity to disputes:
- In this study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4000335/), researchers found that independent medical examinations by orthopedic surgeons can help resolve disputes in workers’ compensation cases.
- For an overview of the independent medical examination process, including what to expect, check out this resource (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/independent-medical-examination).
- In another study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6031554/), researchers examined the inter-observer reliability of orthopedic surgeon assessments in workers’ compensation cases and found that they can be reliable and consistent.
- To learn more about the independent medical examination process in general, you may find this resource (https://www.orthopaedicsone.com/display/Main/Independent+Medical+Examination) useful.
At Allevio MedLegal, we understand the critical role orthopedic surgeon expert assessments play in personal injury cases. Our team of highly qualified medical experts, including orthopedic surgeons, can provide independent and comprehensive assessments of your injuries. We aim to provide the evidence and assessments you need to build a strong case.