applicants & attorneys

Comprehensive, On-time Medical-Legal Evaluations & Reporting

When medical disputes arise in Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, or SIBTF claims, having a clear, evidence-based medical opinion is essential. OccMed Legal connects attorneys and applicants with board-certified Occupational Medicine Doctors 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 able to evaluate the most common illnesses and 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 a sick or injured worker. They offer expert opinions on causation, permanent impairment, apportionment, and future care needs.

AME Attorneys/Applicant Benefits:

Used when both sides are represented and can 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 independent 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. OccMed Legal connects attorneys with AMEs and QMEs who specialize in evaluating SIBTF claims across multiple disciplines.

SIBTF Attorney/Applicant Benefits:

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

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.