Applicants & Attorneys
Comprehensive, On-time Psychological Evaluations & Reporting
When medical disputes arise in Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, or SIBTF claims, having a clear, evidence-based medical opinion is essential. PsychLegal connects attorneys and applicants with board-certified psychologists and psychiatrists to provide qualified, defensible, and timely evaluations.
- Timely & Quality Reporting
- Streamlined process for the applicant
- Cross-trained team familiar with all processes minimizes miscommunications
- Psychologists and psychiatrists able to evaluate the most common illnesses and injuries to workers compensation patients
AME (Agreed Medical Evaluator)
An AME is a psychologist or psychiatrist 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 psychologist or psychiatrist 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:
- Delivers unbiased medical evaluations to support or dispute claims
- Clarifies questions of causation, treatment necessity, and functional capacity
- Informs critical decisions in disability, liability, and insurance cases
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. PsychLegal 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 assessments for federal workers who sustain injuries while on duty are regulated by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). These situations frequently involve intricate paperwork and strict reporting requirements.
Value to Attorneys & Parties:
- Guarantees adherence to OWCP standards for approved conditions and continuous care
- Delivers solid proof to back claims related to wage loss, medical treatment, and permanent impairment
- Objective assessments aid in settling conflicts and safeguarding the rights of federal employees
Schedule a call to access quality, on-time reporting
PsychLegal will provide you with a highly trained psychologist or psychiatrist who will provide you with complete, accurate and timely assessments.