Summary
A defense medical exam is a medical examination conducted by a healthcare provider at the request of the defendant or their insurance company to assess the plantiff's injuries.
What Is A Defense Medical Exam and Why Is it Requested?
A defense medical exam is a medical examination conducted by a healthcare provider, typically at the request of the defendant or their insurance company. The purpose of a defense medical exam is to assess the extent and nature of the plaintiff’s injuries, as well as to evaluate their current and future medical needs.
A defense medical exam can be requested by the defendant or their insurance company when the plaintiff has filed a personal injury lawsuit, seeking damages for their injuries. The defendant or their insurance company can question the extent or cause of the plaintiff’s injuries and may seek to minimize the amount of damages that are awarded in the case. During a defense medical exam, the healthcare provider will typically conduct a physical examination and will review the plaintiff’s medical records and other relevant documents. The healthcare provider may also ask the plaintiff about their injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident or incident that caused the injuries.
Why Is A Defense Medical Exam Important?
It is important for plaintiffs undergoing a defense medical exam to be honest and forthcoming about their injuries and their medical history. The healthcare provider conducting the defense medical exam is not acting as a treating physician and is not there to provide medical care, but rather to assess the plaintiff’s injuries and provide an opinion on the cause and extent of those injuries. It is important to note that a defense medical exam is not the same as a medical examination for treatment purposes. The primary focus of a defense medical exam is to gather information for legal proceedings, rather than to provide medical care for the plaintiff. It is helpful to get another doctor’s opinion on the extent and cause of the injuries sustained.

Overall, a defense medical exam is a tool that is used by the defendant or their insurance company to assess the plaintiff’s injuries and their potential financial liability for those injuries. It is an important part of the legal process and can have significant implications for the outcome of the case.
If you are wondering how a defense medical exam could effect your personal injury case give us a call. We offer free consultations and we are happy to answer any of your questions. Call us today at (619) 413-4405