 |
 To be blunt, when an insurance co. or employer send you to an IME their goal is to reduce or eliminate costs related to your injury. IME's typically take place before a claim denial or closure.
An insurer attorney in the state conducted IME Study said, "This is solely for denial support. The Oregon Workers Compensation System protects very few of Oregon's' injured workers and all of Oregon's employers. It is a total disgrace."
In the 2005 legislative session, first-ever reforms were enacted. While they didn't go far enough, several improvements to the Oregon IME process were made. |
| • learn more |
|
 |
 |
 |
| Worker-Requested Medical Examination |
Few workers injured on the job utilize these exams and it's a shame. SB 485 (2001) allows a state-initiated exam when a claim was denied on a past insurer medical exam. |
|
|
Although it refers to motor vehicle accidents, conditions are the same. |
|
Advice for Insurance Claimants |
By Bernard Kansky, an attorney and founding member of The National CFIDS Foundation, Inc. |
|
| Independent Medical Examinations |
Attorney Pitts says some physicians who perform independent medical examinations make this service a large part of their practice and states, "Their bias for the defense is notorious." |
|
| Doctors for Sale |
An expose written in 1996 by Willamette Week. Most of the independent medical examiners and IME shops are still around. |
|
| Employers Face RICO Claims For Workers Comp Denials |
The 6th Circuit Court rules that employers who scheme with insurance carriers and/or IMEs to wrongfully deny workers compensation benefits can be sued under RICO. |
|
|
|
|
 |
For injuries that are not minor we recommend hiring an attorney specializing in workers compensation. Get at least two free consultations before hiring one. Sorry, IWA does not provide referrals. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Injured Workers' Alliance (IWA) was formed in 1998. We're injured workers, their families and friends, and other concerned Oregonians. We're unpaid volunteers. We were not organized by, and are not influenced or operated by, any law firm or other business entity, nor by government. We advocate solely for you and strive to improve the lives of every Oregon worker since anyone can be injured at work in a moment's time.
We were forced to mobilize in response to the mistreatment of thousands of hard-working people like you. Moderately to severely injured workers, in large numbers, do not receive needed medical treatment, such as surgery and physical therapy, in a timely manner. Many receive no treatment whatsoever. This situation has caused a worsening of injuries and created permanent, lifelong pain and misery. Families are literately being destroyed.
By law, IWA cannot provide legal advice. Due to a shortage of volunteers, we're unable to assist Oregon workers one-on-one. Instead, we focus on efforts to help thousands at one time. We also provide an "enormous" amount of information here to help workers get through the workers comp system as best as possible. We empower workers with knowledge. |
| • read more |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
A Guide for Workers Recently Hurt on the Job
This is a a guide for workers recently hurt on the job. |
|
|
Claim closure and beyond
Information about workers compensation appeal rights and
processes, return to work rights, and who to contact. |
|
What happens if I'm hurt on the job? - 2MB in size
A guide to Oregon’s workers’ compensation benefits, rights, and responsibilities. (December 2007) |
|
Oregon Workers' Compensation terms
Terms become obsolete and definitions change (and vary state-to-state) so always check another source before relying on these. |
|
Court TV's Legal Cafe: Worker's Compensation
Frequently asked questions, Cafe Q & A, and links to Web sites. |
|
What is Ergonomics?
Learn its purpose in the workplace and about the repeal of OSHA's Ergonomics Standard. Links provided to Ergonomics Web sites. |
|
Repetitive stress injuries fall through legal gaps
Developing federal workplace guidelines are strictly voluntary.
—The Oregonian, August 17, 2006 |
|
Enough To Make You Sick by Paul Krugman
Paul Krugman writes "... more and more health insurers are finding ways to yank your insurance when you get sick." |
|
Bias against disabled seen
A letter from IWA published in the Oregonian about Social Security Disability Insurance and the examiners used for it and workers' compensation to deny claims. |
|
|
Internet Access Vital For Those With Chronic Disease
Only 62 percent of adults living with chronic disease go online, compared with 81 percent of adults with no chronic diseases, according to a new report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
