Our Services :: Patient :: Industrial Disease
If you are suffering from an industrial disease arising from the conditions in which you worked and are seeking compensation you will need to have a medical examination in order to pursue your claim. Your solicitor will instruct us to arrange an appointment with a medical expert to produce a report with reference to your claim.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that may help you to understand our role in your industrial disease claim:
Why do I need to attend a medical examination?
It is most important to attend a medical examination as your claim cannot be completed without the resultant report.
What is a Form of Authority (FOA)?
Your compensation claim cannot be completed without a report from a medical expert. To prepare your report the medical expert may need to review your GP and Hospital records. In order to release your medical records your consent is required via a Form of Authority or Consent Form. This form may be sent to you from ourselves or from your solicitor. If you have mislaid or made a mistake on the FOA that we have sent you and require another copy, please download here, complete and return to us straight away. Failure to return your Form of Authority could cause a delay on your case.
What happens after I return my FOA to UKIM?
We will apply to your GP / Hospital(s) for your medical records and they will send them to us by secure delivery. We then forward them securely to the expert who will perform your examination. If requested by your solicitor UKIM will retain an archived copy of your records for the purposes of providing timely responses to queries from your solicitor or the nominated medical expert.
Who can see my medical records?
UKIM’s FOA signed by you, gives us authority to release your records to your solicitor or the approved medical expert. In addition, under Court rules the other party may see your health records.
How long do you keep my medical records?
Your records will be retained for a maximum period of 18 months from the date of your completed medical report, after which they will be securely destroyed.
Why do I have to release all of my medical and work history?
The medical expert will review your medical notes and work history to establish whether damage was caused as a result of you being exposed to unsafe substances or working practices over a period of time.
Why can’t my own GP compile my report?
Your report needs to be compiled by an independent expert, that is, an expert who is not responsible for looking after you. The medical expert who performs your examination is responsible to the Court and has no conflict of interest, as they are not responsible to you and will take an unbiased view of your accident / injury. We will also select an expert in the appropriate specialty according to the condition you are suffering from.
Where will my medical examination take place?
We will always try to select a UKIM panel expert as close to your home as possible.
Why should I provide you with my mobile telephone number?
If you provide us with your mobile telephone number, we are able to send you an SMS text message 3 days and 1 day prior to your appointment to remind you of your appointment date and time.
What happens if I don’t attend my medical examination?
If you cancel your appointment at short notice or fail to attend, you could be responsible for cancellation charges.
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