Examination Under Oath Lawyer in New York
When a healthcare provider is attempting to recover compensation from an insurance company for legitimate and warranted services provided to an accident victim, the last thing they want to do is to go through a formal proceeding known as an EUO (Examination Under Oath). EUOs typically take place in a law office. If parties are unable to agree where an EUO will take place, it will likely take place in a court reporters office. Court reporters are often present during an EUO, so a transcript of the proceeding can be created.
No-Fault insurance in New York was originally intended to streamline the claims process and ensure victims have access to comprehensive healthcare without needing to prove fault. However, insurance providers have since leveraged the system to their own advantage. Through tactics like working with biased Independent Medical Examiners and peer review doctors, insurance companies produce the results they need to deny a claim. Insurers also use the results to stall and delay, with hope the provider will give up and accept a lower payment or take the loss.
Understanding an Examination Under Oath
In addition to the tactics mentioned above, one of the most common ways insurance companies delay paying what they owe is by demanding an Examination Under Oath (EUO). An EUO is a formal proceeding in which the provider must appear before an insurance company representative and answer questions about their care for an injured party.
When carried out in good faith, this is a completely legitimate and beneficial process to ensure compensation is being paid appropriately. However, EUOs are often used as a way to intimidate and harass providers. Insurance representatives are not required to have any medical training, and will often try to confuse the provider with questions that are irrelevant or outside of their area of expertise. In addition, insurance companies almost always record the EUO, and will use anything the provider says out of context to deny the claim.
What To Do If You Must Submit To an EUO
If you have been asked to participate in an Examination Under Oath, it is important you have a lawyer present who can protect your interests. The lawyers at The Sigalov Firm PLLC have years of experience working with clients to prepare for EUOs. We will ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
An EUO lawyer in New York can help you navigate the system and ensure you are fairly compensated for the services you have provided.
Preparing For an EUO
If you have been asked to participate in an EUO, it is important to take time to prepare for the process. This includes gathering the necessary documents and evidence required to support your case. Your lawyer can help you identify what evidence will be most beneficial to your case and can also help you prepare for questions you may be asked during the EUO.
It is also important to understand your rights before participating in an EUO. Your lawyer can explain the process to you and help you understand expectations. You will be adequately prepared for the EUO and will not be taken advantage of by the insurance company.
The Process of an EUO
During an EUO, the insurance company will ask you a series of questions about the services you provided and the injuries you sustained. They may also ask for additional information, such as medical records or bills. It is important you answer these questions truthfully and fully, as any misleading or incorrect information could jeopardize your case. It is also important to be aware of tactics the insurer may use in order to “catch” you providing false statements. This includes repeating the same question a number of times with different wording or asking the same question in different contexts repeatedly.
Your lawyer will be present during the EUO to protect your interests and ensure you are treated fairly. If the insurance company attempts to take advantage of you or asks questions that are irrelevant to your case, your lawyer will object. This way, you can be sure the information being gathered during the EUO is fair and accurate. You can be certain an attorney will be reviewing your transcript on behalf of the insurer, looking for issues in your statements in order to reduce or outright deny your claim for payment for legitimate medical services you have provided.
After the EUO
Once the EUO is complete, your lawyer will review the questions asked and the evidence gathered. This will help determine if there are any areas that need addressed in order to strengthen your case. Your lawyer will work with you to develop a strategy for moving forward and help you file any necessary paperwork.
If The Insurer Is Requiring an EUO, Contact The Sigalov Firm Right Away
If you have been asked to participate in an EUO, it is important you have a lawyer on your side who can protect your interests. The NY No-Fault lawyers at The Sigalov Firm PLLC have years of experience working with clients to prepare for EUOs. We will ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate this frustrating intimidation tactic, provide the necessary information, and receive the money you are rightfully owed for providing medical care under New York’s No-Fault laws.