A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is a physician that has been approved by the Division of Workers’ Compensation to examine workers who have been injured on the job. It is the responsibility of the qualified medical evaluator to evaluate disability levels and to provide medical-legal reports. These reports are used by Workers’ comp to determine the benefits that the injured workers will be entitled to receive. Examples of QMEs include medical doctors, chiropractors, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and psychologists. There are QMEs in other medical specialty fields as well. The reports submitted by your assigned QME are what will be used to determine your workers’ comp eligibility. It can be beneficial to have a lawyer represent you during this process. Your workers' comp attorney can explain the medical-legal reports submitted by the QME. If you disagree with the findings from the initial evaluation your attorney can help you get a second or third opinion. Your lawyer can also help you get your own medical evaluation from an independent medical professional if it is beneficial for you to do so. Why Do You Need a Lawyer? An attorney will represent your best interests during this evaluation process. The initial evaluation and reports are the most important because this paperwork will set the baseline for future medical evaluations. These reports will be used to determine the level of benefits that you will receive and it is beneficial to have a lawyer be able to explain these documents to you. If you disagree with their findings you will have a limited amount of time to request a second opinion and you attorney can guide you through this process. Speak with a workers' compensation attorney in your area today by filling out our Free Case Evaluation
