Our Services :: Patient :: Personal Injury
If you have been involved in a personal injury such as a Road Traffic Accident (RTA), trip or slip or accident at work and want to claim compensation for your injuries you will need to have a medical examination.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that may help you to understand our role in your personal injury claim:
Why do I need a medical examination?
You need to attend a medical examination so that the medical expert can compile a report detailing the injuries that you received as a result of your accident. Even if you now have no symptoms of the injuries you sustained, a medical examination is still necessary. If you fail to attend your medical examination, your solicitor will not be able to pursue your claim.
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 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 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 history?
The medical expert may need to review all of your medical records in order to establish whether you are suffering or have suffered from any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries which may have contributed to your current condition.
What is a Claimant Questionnaire?
This questionnaire has been designed to help you remember all of the relevant details about your accident and any resulting injuries or problems.
What should I do with my Claimant Questionnaire?
You should have received a Claimant Questionnaire from UKIM, however if you have mislaid or made a mistake on the questionnaire please download here. Your appointment may take some time so you should make a note of how you are feeling on a regular basis. Please take your completed questionnaire with you when you attend your medical examination and give it to the medical expert. Please do not return it to UKIM.
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.
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.
|
