An independent medical examination is conducted when you have a workers’ compensation case. The company that you work for will ask for this examine to be conducted for a doctor to decide if your work-related injury is credible or not. The outcome of an independent medical examination has a great effect on your case and how much you receive in benefits for your injuries.

Because of this, it’s important that you go into this exam fully prepared. Although you most likely already have things that you want to tell the doctor about, there are also some things that you shouldn’t say. Don’t lose your case because you said the wrong thing. 

Continue reading below to learn about 4 things that you DON’T want to say during an independent medical examination.  

1. Do Not Lie or Exaggerate 

The first rule is to always be honest. Full honesty means not lying and not exaggerating as well. The workers compensation doctor will perform diagnostic testing and any lies that you tell about past or present injuries will be addressed. 

If you lie about a past injury or exaggerate an injury that you currently have, the doctor will eventually learn the truth and your credibility is now lost. This is one way to lose your case altogether. Once you’re caught lying about one thing, the doctor won’t believe anything else you say.  

2. Do Not Say Pain Is at a 10

You’re familiar with the pain level charts that doctors show you and then ask where your pain rates. Never say that your pain is at a 10. The scale is from 1-10 with 10 being the worst amount of pain.

A 10 on the scale indicates agonizing pain. An 8 on the scale is comparable to childbirth, so a 10 would put you in some serious pain. Just be honest about the pain you feel.

Remember, you don’t have to be in severe pain to qualify for your workers’ compensation case. These doctors have experience and know what real pain looks like when someone is experiencing it, so always be honest about your pain level. 

3. Do Not Talk About Why You Have a Lawsuit

Never bring up the reason why you have a lawsuit with the doctor. If the doctor doesn’t ask, then there’s no reason to speak about it at all. If the doctor does happen to ask you why you have the lawsuit, respond in a short and simple manner. 

Tell your doctor that you had to hire an attorney to receive the rights that you were not being given. End the conversation there as it’s best not to go into further details or talk about the relationship between you and the company.

4. Do Not Talk About Pain Medications Unless Asked

The last thing that you don’t want to say during your independent medical examine is anything about the pain medications that you’re currently taking. Unless the doctor asks you about your medications, it’s best not to have a conversation about them. This doctor cannot prescribe your medications, so you don’t want to ask for medication either. 

Speaking about medications may lead to the idea that you’re abusing yours, which negatively affects your case.

Attending Your Independent Medical Examination 

Attending your independent medical examination doesn’t have to be stressful. Dress comfortably and always tell the truth. Knowing that you don’t have to lie about anything makes the situation a lot more relaxing. 

And for more useful tips, be sure to check in with our Useful Tips section regularly!