applicants & attorneys

Comprehensive, On-time Medical-Legal Evaluations & Reporting

In Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, or SIBTF claims, clear, evidence-based medical opinions are essential. SurgicalLegal connects attorneys and applicants with board-certified surgeons to provide timely, defensible, and expert evaluations.

Accurate, timely reporting.
A streamlined process to ensure a smooth experience for the applicant.
A cross-trained team knowledgeable in all processes reduces miscommunications.
Physicians trained to evaluate the most common illnesses and injuries in workers’ compensation patients.

AME (Agreed Medical Evaluator)

An AME is a physician selected by both the applicant’s and defense attorney to assess an injured or ill worker, offering expert opinions on causation, permanent impairment, apportionment, and future care.

AME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:

Applied when both sides have legal representation and concur on one evaluator.
AME opinions carry substantial legal weight, making it crucial to select the right evaluator.
Facilitates faster case resolution and helps prevent prolonged litigation.

QME (Qualified Medical Evaluator)

A QME is a physician certified by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to provide impartial evaluations when the parties cannot agree on a medical opinion. QMEs are chosen from a specialty-appropriate panel and are often used when applicants do not have legal representation.

QME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:

Provides access to independent medical opinions across a range of specialties.
Plays an essential role in determining workers’ compensation benefits during settlement.
Uses a state-regulated, standardized system for selection and report preparation.

IME (Independent Medical Evaluation)

An IME is a medical examination conducted by a medical professional who was not involved in the patient’s treatment, for the purpose of obtaining an objective assessment of the patient’s medical condition. IMEs are not connected to the DWC and have much fewer regulations than QMEs and AMEs.

IME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:

Provides an objective medical opinion to support or challenge a claim
Helps clarify causation, treatment necessity, and functional limitations
Can be pivotal in disability, liability, and insurance coverage determinations

SIBTF

(Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund)

The SIBTF is a state-mangaged fund that compensates workers with pre-existing disabilities who experience a work-related injury that worsens their overall impairment. SurgicalLegal connects attorneys with AMEs and QMEs who specialize in evaluating SIBTF claims across multiple medical disciplines.

SIBTF Attorney/Applicant Benefits:

Provides access to additional compensation for severely disabled workers.
Supports diversity in hiring while minimizing employer liability.
Requires thorough, multi-specialty assessment and accurate recordkeeping.

Department of Labor Cases

Medical evaluations for federal employees injured on the job, overseen by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). These cases typically often requiring complex documentation and strict reporting standards.

Value to Attorneys & Parties:

Ensures full compliance with OWCP guidelines for accepted injuries and ongoing medical management.
Provides objective medical evidence to substantiate claims for lost wages, treatment, and permanent impairment.
Objective evaluations assist in resolving conflicts and protecting federal workers’ interests.

Fit for Duty Cases

Medical or psychological assessments conducted by employers to determine whether an employee can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of their job. These evaluations are often requested in safety-sensitive industries or when medical issues may affect workplace performance.