Personal Injury & IME Evaluations
Personal injury and independent medical evaluations (IMEs) are objective psychological assessments conducted for legal and insurance purposes. Unlike therapy or counseling, these evaluations are focused on answering specific questions related to causation, impact, and prognosis following an injury or traumatic event.
Personal Injury Evaluation
In personal injury cases, the evaluation determines whether an accident or incident has resulted in psychological harm. This may include conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or cognitive difficulties. The assessment examines the severity of symptoms, their connection to the alleged incident, and the ways they affect daily functioning.
Independent Medical Evaluation
An IME is requested by attorneys, insurance companies, or the court to obtain an independent and impartial opinion. The process often involves:
A thorough review of medical and legal records
A structured clinical interview
Standardized psychological testing, when appropriate
Consideration of pre-existing conditions and alternative explanations
The result is a clear, evidence-based report that provides insight into psychological injury, prognosis, and credibility.