applicants & attorneys

Quality, On-Time Evaluations & Reporting

When medical disputes arise in Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, or SIBTF claims, having a clear, evidence-based medical opinion is essential. MedicoLegal Partners connects attorneys and applicants with board-certified physicians in every specialty to provide qualified, defensible, and timely evaluations.

Timely & Quality Reporting
Streamlined process for the applicant
Cross-trained team familiar with all processes minimizes miscommunications
Physicians and Surgeons able to evaluate the most common injuries to workers compensation patients

AME (Agreed Medical Evaluator)

An AME is a physician jointly selected by both the applicant’s and defense attorney to assess an injured worker. They offer expert opinions on causation, permanent impairment, apportionment, and future care needs. AMEs can be selected from any specialty—Orthopaedics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, etc.—based on case requirements.

AME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:

Used when both sides are represented and agree on one evaluator
AME opinions carry significant legal weight, so choosing the right AME is important
Helps avoid prolonged litigation and streamlines case resolution

QME (Qualified Medical Evaluator)

A QME is a physician certified by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to perform impartial evaluations when parties can’t agree on a medical opinion. QMEs are selected from a specialty-appropriate panel and are used frequently when applicants are unrepresented.

QME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:

Ensures access to medical opinions across specialties
Plays a pivotal role in determining workers’ comp benefits determined in the settlement
Standardized, state-regulated selection and report process

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)

This state-run fund compensates injured workers who had a pre-existing disability and then sustain a work-related injury that compounds their overall impairment. MedicoLegal Partners connects attorneys with AMEs and QMEs who specialize in evaluating SIBTF claims across multiple disciplines.

SIBTF Attorney/Applicant Benefits:

Provides additional compensation for severely disabled workers
Supports inclusive hiring by reducing employer liability
Requires accurate multi-specialty documentation and assessment

PI (Personal Injury)

In cases of personal injury—auto accidents, falls, emotional distress—objective, defensible medical opinions are critical. We provide physician evaluators in the relevant field (e.g., Emergency Medicine, Pain Management, Psychiatry) to support injury documentation and legal outcomes.

Value to Attorneys & Parties:

Enables attorneys to pursue both economic and non-economic damages
Physician reports help validate claims of pain, trauma, and future care
Medico-legal expertise is especially useful in crossover claims with workers’ comp

Department of Labor Cases

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

Value to Attorneys & Parties:

Ensures compliance with OWCP requirements for accepted conditions and ongoing care
Provides clear evidence to support claims for wage loss, medical treatment, and permanent impairment
Independent evaluations help resolve disputes and protect the rights of federal workers

Fitness for Duty Evaluations Cases

Medical or psychological assessments used by employers to determine whether an employee can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of their job. Often requested in safety-sensitive industries or when medical concerns impact workplace performance.

Value to Attorneys & Parties:

Provides objective assessment of an employee’s ability to return to or continue work
Helps balance workplace safety with compliance under the ADA and other employment laws
Offers clear guidance on accommodations, restrictions, or need for further treatment