12/18/2025
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Paul Wakim, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in AMEs and QMEs at Pacifica Orthopedics, and Dane Gilliam, a partner at Bentley & Moore, discuss the intricacies of dealing with catastrophic injuries in workers' compensation and personal injury cases. They explore the role and importance of Agreed Medical Evaluators (AMEs) and Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) in the resolution of medical disputes, the distinctions between these evaluators, and the criteria for choosing them. The discussion includes best practices for medical-legal reporting, the significance of accurate and unbiased assessments, and the process of determining work restrictions and permanent disability ratings. They also touch on the vocational rehabilitation process and the importance of thorough documentation and case preparation to ensure fair and expedient resolutions. This episode offers valuable insights for both medical practitioners and legal professionals involved in catastrophic injury cases.
00:00 Introduction to Catastrophic Injuries
00:19 Role of AMEs and QMEs in the System
00:48 Challenges in Medical Legal Cases
01:11 Importance of Accurate Medical Representation
01:29 Understanding Apportionment and Medical Disputes
01:50 Meet the Experts: Paul Wakim and Dane Gilliam
02:12 Defining Catastrophic Injuries
02:40 When to Request a QME or AME
03:57 Choosing the Right Medical Examiner
05:10 Bias and Fairness in Medical Examinations
06:21 Thorough Medical Reporting
06:58 Teaching New Doctors
07:28 Deposition Strategies
08:37 Resolving Medical Disputes
11:19 Effective Medical Legal Reporting
16:02 Pacific Orthopedics: Commitment to Accuracy
17:31 Legal Precedents and Impairment Ratings
30:38 Vocational Experts and Work Restrictions
34:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts