If you’ve been through an accident claim, you’ve probably heard of an IME, or Independent Medical Examination.
Most people hit this stage and think, “Okay, settlement must be right around the corner.”
But in reality, it’s not always that simple. The IME is just one step in the process, and how long it takes to get your settlement afterward depends on a mix of things.
In this post, we’ll shed some light on how long it takes for a settlement after the IME report.
How Long After IME Report Is Settlement?
On average, most people end up waiting somewhere between two and six months after the IME before settlement money hits.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Best case: A few weeks to a couple of months after the IME.
- Average: Around 2 – 6 months, depending on how quickly negotiations move.
- If contested: It could take a year or more if your lawyer has to fight back in court.
The doctor who examines you will send a written report to the insurance company. That report usually takes a couple of weeks to come through, but sometimes it drags out longer.
Once it’s in, the insurance adjuster looks it over, compares it to your medical records, and decides how much weight to give it.
If the report supports your injuries, settlement talks can get moving pretty quickly. You might see things wrap up within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Also Read: What Do IME Doctors Look For?
But if the report raises doubts, disputes, or minimizes your injuries, then negotiations can stall. In that case, your attorney may need to collect more evidence, get opinions from your own doctors, or even prepare for trial.
That can push your timeline out several more months – or longer.
So basically your settlement after IME can be shorter if things are straightforward, or way longer if the insurance company decides to dig in its heels.
Factors That Can Affect Settlement Time After IME
Now let’s go over some of the factors that make the timeline move faster – or slower:
#1 The Outcome Of The IME Report
This is the big one. If the IME doctor agrees with your treating physicians, acknowledges your injuries, and confirms your need for ongoing care, settlement tends to happen a lot sooner.
The insurance company feels less like they have room to argue.
But if the IME doctor downplays your injuries or says they aren’t related to the accident, things can drag out.
Your attorney will need to push back, which usually means more back-and-forth before any real money is on the table.
#2 Severity And Ongoing Treatment Of Injuries
The seriousness of your injuries can add months to the process.
For example, if you’re still getting treatment or your doctors haven’t figured out your long-term prognosis, the insurance company is going to wait.
They want to know the full scope of medical costs before agreeing to pay.
Minor soft tissue injuries, like a sprain or whiplash, usually lead to quicker settlements since recovery is more predictable. But severe injuries like broken bones, surgeries, or anything with lasting complications will take longer.
Also Read: Workers Comp Ruined My Life
That’s because part of settlement value is tied to how your injuries affect your future health, work, and lifestyle. Until doctors have a clear picture of that, final negotiations are on hold.
#3 Insurance Company’s Response Time
Even with everything else in place, the insurance company itself can slow things down.
Some adjusters move quickly and keep communication open. Others drag their feet, ask for unnecessary paperwork, or “lose” documents just to stall.
It’s a tactic and they know the longer you wait, the more tempted you might be to accept a lowball offer.
Plus, there’s also bureaucracy on their end. Adjusters often need multiple levels of approval before they can authorize a settlement.
#4 Your Legal Strategy
Your attorney’s approach matters too.
Sometimes a quick settlement is the right move, especially if the IME lined up in your favor and the insurance company puts out a fair offer.
Other times, settling too fast means leaving money on the table.
If the first offers are low or don’t fully cover your medical bills, lost income, and future needs, your lawyer may advise waiting it out. That could mean more rounds of negotiation or even gearing up for trial.
Trials take time, but they also put more pressure on the insurance company to settle fair.
Also Read: Will Workers’ Comp Offer A Settlement Without A Lawyer?
What You Can Do To Speed Things Up
You can’t control everything, but there are a few things you can do to keep things moving in the right direction:
- Stay in close contact with your attorney so you’re always on the same page.
- Keep all your medical records, bills, and treatment notes organized and up to date.
- Respond quickly to any requests for paperwork or updates.
Basically, make it easy for your attorney to build and present your case without delays.
The less time spent chasing down documents or clarifying details, the faster things can progress.
What If The IME Report Hurts Your Case?
Not every IME goes in your favor. In fact, it’s pretty common for IME doctors (who are usually hired by the insurance company) to downplay the severity of injuries.
If that happens, don’t panic.
Your attorney can challenge the IME report by:
- Gathering detailed opinions from your treating doctors
- Highlighting inconsistencies in the IME’s findings
- Pointing out medical records or test results the IME overlooked
- Bringing in an independent expert for a second opinion
Sometimes, an unfavorable IME means negotiations take longer.
Also Read: IME Doctor Tricks
But it doesn’t mean your case is doomed. It just shifts the focus toward building stronger evidence to push back against the insurance company’s narrative.
Bottom Line
The settlement timeline after an IME isn’t set in stone. Best case, you might see things wrap up in just a few weeks. But on average, it takes two to six months. And if disputes come up, it could stretch out for a year or more.
The main thing to remember is this: the IME is just one part of the bigger process.
Your attorney’s strategy, the insurance company’s response, and the strength of your medical evidence all play a role in how fast things move.
Stay patient, stay in touch with your lawyer, and know that a little extra time can often mean a much better outcome in the end.
