Hawaii Medical Experts
& IME Examinations

Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in Hawaii

If you have filed a personal injury claim or workers' compensation claim in Hawaii, you may be required to submit to an Independent Medical Examination (IME) — also sometimes called a Defense Medical Examination (DME). Despite the word "independent," these examinations are typically arranged and paid for by the insurance company or defense attorney, and they often favor the defense, not you.

Attorney William Lawson has decades of experience navigating IME issues in Hawaii personal injury cases. Understanding how IMEs work is critical to protecting your rights.

What Is an IME?

An IME is a medical examination conducted by a physician chosen (and typically paid) by the insurance company, defense counsel or the opposing party to evaluate the nature and extent of your injuries, your prognosis, and whether your treatment has been reasonable and necessary.

The insurance company uses the IME report to challenge or limit their exposure on your claim. IME doctors may be hired frequently by insurers and defense lawyers, and their opinions can be biased toward minimizing your injuries.

Your Rights During an IME

• You generally have the right to have an attorney or representative present
• The examination should be limited to the body parts and conditions at issue in your claim
• You are entitled to a copy of the IME report
• You do not have to answer questions about unrelated medical history not relevant to the claim
• An IME does not replace your treating physician's opinion

Countering a Biased IME

If an IME report is unfavorable or appears biased, William Lawson can help you respond effectively — through rebuttal reports from your own treating physicians, by deposing the IME doctor, and by challenging the doctor's credibility at trial.

Hawaii Medical Resources for Injury Victims

Finding the right treating physicians and medical specialists is important both for your health and your legal claim. William Lawson can provide guidance on accessing appropriate medical care for your injuries in Hawaii. Below are categories of specialists frequently involved in serious injury cases:

• Neurologists and neurosurgeons (brain and spinal cord injuries)
• Orthopedic surgeons (fractures, disc injuries, joint injuries)
• Physiatrists and rehabilitation medicine specialists
• Neuropsychologists (cognitive and psychological effects of TBI)
• Pain management specialists
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons (burn and disfigurement injuries)
• Life care planners (future medical cost analysis)