Applicants & Attorneys
Comprehensive, On-time Medical Evaluations & Reporting
When medical disputes arise in Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, or SIBTF claims, clear, evidence-based medical opinions play a critical role. MedicalLegal connects attorneys and applicants with board-certified physicians who deliver qualified, defensible, and timely evaluations.
- Timely & quality reporting
- A streamlined, applicant-focused process
- A cross-trained team reduces miscommunication at every step
- Experts qualified to evaluate common workers’ compensation injuries and illnesses.
AME (Agreed Medical Evaluator)
An Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) is a physician jointly selected by the applicant’s and defense attorneys to evaluate an injured or ill worker. The AME provides expert opinions on causation, permanent impairment, apportionment, and future medical care needs.
AME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:
- Used when both parties are represented and agree on a single evaluator
- AME opinions carry significant legal weight, making the choice of AME critical
- Reduces litigation time and expedites case resolution
QME (Qualified Medical Evaluator)
A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is a physician certified by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to conduct impartial medical evaluations when parties cannot agree on a medical opinion. The DWC selects QMEs from a specialty-specific panel, and they are most commonly used when an applicant is unrepresented.
QME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:
- Ensures access to independent medical opinions across multiple specialties
- Plays a key role in determining workers’ compensation benefits during settlement
- Follows a standardized, state-regulated process for selection and reporting
IME (Independent Medical Evaluation)
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is conducted by a medical professional who has not treated the patient, and provides an objective assessment of the patient’s medical condition. Unlike QMEs and AMEs, IMEs are not regulated by the DWC and follow fewer formal requirements.
IME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:
- Provides unbiased medical expertise to validate or dispute claims
- Clarifies causation, treatment needs, and functional capacity
- Informs essential decisions in matters of disability, liability, and insurance.
SIBTF (Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund)
The SIBTF compensates workers who have a pre-existing disability and then suffer a work-related injury that increases their overall impairment. MedicalLegal connects attorneys with AMEs and QMEs who specialize in evaluating SIBTF claims across multiple medical disciplines.
SIBTF Attorney/Applicant Benefits:
- Unlocks avenues for additional compensation for severely disabled workers
- Promotes inclusive hiring while reducing employer liability
- Requires accurate multi-specialty documentation and assessment
Department of Labor Cases
Medical assessments for federal employees injured on duty are regulated by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). These cases often involve complex paperwork and strict reporting requirements.
Value to Attorneys & Parties:
- Ensures full compliance with OWCP standards for approved conditions and ongoing care
- Provides reliable evidence to support claims for wage loss, medical treatment, and permanent impairment
- Objective assessments help resolve disputes and protect federal employees’ rights
Schedule a call to access quality, on-time reporting
MedicalLegal provides board-certified physicians to deliver thorough, precise, and timely evaluations.