Private industry employers reported 112,500 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Illinois in 2022, or about 2.7 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. Sixty-two percent of occupational injuries and illnesses occurred in trade, transportation, utilities, education, and health services industries. Dealing with a workplace injury can be difficult at best. Doctor’s appointments, treatments, tests, and perhaps an inability to return to work because of the severity of the injuries can all create challenges.
Once a workers’ compensation claim is filed, it may feel like there are even more complications, along with a mountain of red tape. An independent medical examination (IME) is one of these challenges that can potentially result in a denial of benefits. Those facing an IME should speak to a workers’ compensation attorney who has experience dealing with these medical examinations and fighting for the rights of injured workers.