Personal Injury,
Handled Personally
Handled Personally
Holzberg Legal | Your Maritime and Personal Injury Lawyers
Medical Care FAQs
Q: Do I need to see specific doctors?
A: No—your medical care is your choice. We recommend seeing qualified providers you trust. Specialists (orthopedists, neurologists, pain management doctors) and diagnostic testing (MRI, CT, EMG) often provide the clearest picture of your injuries and future care needs. Your treatment decisions directly affect case value, so consistent follow-up is important.
Q: What are IMEs and do I have to attend?
A: An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a doctor’s exam requested and paid for by the defense. Despite the name, the examiner is not truly “independent”—they often testify for insurance companies. If your contract or the court orders it, you must attend. We prepare you in advance, set limits on what the doctor can do, and attend with you if possible to protect your rights.
Q: Do I have to travel to Miami (or another forum) for an IME or trial?
A: Often yes. Most cruise line ticket contracts require claims to be litigated in Miami (Southern District of Florida). That means medical exams, depositions, and trial may occur there. Some courts allow remote depositions and virtual hearings, but final trials usually require in-person attendance in the chosen forum.
Q: What if I can’t afford treatment?
A: You should never delay care. Options include health insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, Tricare, or VA benefits. If uninsured, some providers may agree to treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP)—an agreement to get paid from your settlement. We generally avoid law-firm-issued LOPs due to ethics and independence concerns, but provider LOPs may be considered if necessary. We also explore charitable programs or medical funding where appropriate.
Q: What is MMI and impairment rating?
A: Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) means your condition has stabilized—you’re not expected to improve significantly with more treatment. At that point, doctors may assign a permanent impairment rating, which helps calculate the long-term impact of your injuries. Both MMI and impairment ratings are critical for determining the true value of your case.
Q: Can I choose surgery vs conservative care?
A: Yes. Treatment decisions are between you and your doctors. Some clients pursue surgery right away; others opt for physical therapy, injections, or other conservative options. Both paths have pros and cons. We model how each scenario affects your recovery timeline, quality of life, and settlement value so you can make an informed choice.
