If you receive workers’ compensation after getting hurt on the job, your employer will want to know how serious your injury is and how long the effects will last. To answer the questions, the employer’s insurance company may request that you undergo an independent medical exam (IME) to obtain an impairment rating. Here’s what you should know about the process and what the results mean.
What Happens During an Independent Medical Exam?
During an IME, a medical professional not affiliated with the employer or the employee examines the injured worker. The unbiased professional gives their opinion on the worker’s injury, how it happened, and whether the employee has an impairment as a result.
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) may be requested to determine what tasks an employee is able to perform following their injury. These evaluations are meant to protect all involved parties and facilitate a fair resolution.
What Are the Different Types of Impairments?
For workers’ compensation purposes, an impairment is a condition that impacts the way a part of the body functions. As such, it prevents the worker from using their body as they did before they got hurt, which impacts their ability to do their former job.
The condition can cause partial or total disability. An employee can suffer impairments that are mental, physical, severe, mild, temporary, or permanent. Typically, a permanent impairment is assigned a rating to classify its severity and long-term impact.
How Are the Ratings Determined?
As a way of quantifying an injury, impairment ratings are measured on a scale of 0 to 100%. The professional conducting the IME makes an assessment of how the impairment affects the worker’s physical or neurological condition.
The more the impairment impacts the employee, the higher the percentage and the amount of workers’ comp benefits the employee should receive. An experienced attorney can ensure your impairment rating is calculated accurately so that you receive all the benefits available under the law.
If you get hurt on the job and need to file a workers’ compensation claim, seek help from The Law Offices of Gallner & Pattermann. These workers’ comp attorneys draw on more than 45 years of experience to provide effective representation to injured individuals throughout the Council Bluffs, IA, and Omaha, NE, areas. They will advise and guide you throughout the claims process and seek maximum compensation on your behalf. For more about their services, visit their website. To schedule a consultation with an attorney, call (712) 323-0999.