We help workers.®

The Truth About IMEs: Protecting Your Claim

June 2, 2025

JUMP TO A CATEGORY PAGE

Emery Reddy | Logo

Emery Reddy

Share This Article

Facebook Logo
LinkedIn Icon
X Logo
Share Icon

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter

Undergoing an Independent Medical Examination (IME) can be stressful and overwhelming. However, it is an important process for your L&I claim. With ample preparation and knowledge, you will be able to complete your IME appointment and maximize your chances of receiving the L&I benefits to which you may be entitled.

What is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?

An IME is a medical evaluation requested by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) or a self-insured employer (SIE) to review your medical history and accident details and is conducted by approved L&I providers.

How to Prepare for Your IME

Step one:

Request to record your IME from the approved L&I provider. You may record using audio and/or video.

Step two:

Before your evaluation, review and gather all your medical records and any imaging results related to your workplace injury.

Step three:

Bring an observer and have them take detailed notes of the exam; you can prevent scenarios in which the IME doctor omits facts relevant to your claim.

IME Doctor Tricks to be Aware of

  • Asking about your L&I claim or case value
  • Asking irrelevant questions
  • Surveilling you or trying to catch you lying or exaggerating
  • Tying your injury or illness to prior injuries or symptoms
  • Speculating about alternate causes
  • Performing fake tests
  • Writing an incomplete summary of your medical records

Take Our Poll

Have you ever had an IME that didn’t feel fair?

Complete Survey

If an IME Doctor Tried to Minimize Your Injury, Contact Us Today!

www.emeryreddy.com or 206.442.9106

Related Articles

LEARN FROM OUR LEGAL EXPERTS

The Emery Reddy Legal Blog

ARE YOU INJURED?

Contact Us Today

Contact Us for a FREE Case Review.
No Fee Unless We Recover for You.​

We Are
Taking a Break!

We will be closed:

December 23 – 27

We will reopen:

December 30

Please leave us a voicemail or submit your contact form and an experienced Intake Specialist will return your call when we reopen. Happy holidays!