Medical Opinions for Musculoskeletal Injury Cases
Expert Witness Services and Independent Medical Exams for Attorneys
Some cases turn on a joint, tendon, or muscle injury. These cases often need a clear medical opinion. The opinion explains what caused the injury and how bad it is. An independent medical exam (IME) is done by a physician who is not the patient’s treating provider. It gives the case an outside medical view of the injury.
Dr. Jacob DiCesare offers medicolegal services. He is a sports medicine physician and serves on workers’ compensation panels. Our services include IMEs and expert witness testimony on injuries to muscles, joints, and tendons. We also offer records review, depositions, and trial testimony.
To discuss a request, please email our office at emilyk@greensburgortho.com. Our office handles inquiries by email. No form is required.
Medicolegal Services Built Around Injury Expertise
Medicolegal Services for Musculoskeletal Injury Cases
When a Medical Examination or Expert Opinion May Help
An exam or expert opinion may help when a case turns on the cause, extent, or treatment of an injury. Attorneys decide when these services fit a matter. Our office is glad to discuss a request at any stage.
Dr. DiCesare treats many of these injuries in his clinical practice. They include sprains and strains, osteoarthritis and arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis, and sports injuries. For the care of injured workers, see our page on work related injuries.
Requests often involve:
- How bad an injury is
- What care the patient has had
- Records that need a fresh review
How IMEs and Records Review Are Handled
An IME rests on the same base as a complete orthopedic exam. That means a review of the medical history, a hands-on physical exam, and imaging when needed. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is available in our office. It shows tendons, ligaments, and muscles as they move. We also offer records review when an outside physician needs to look at existing medical records.
When a request comes in, our office confirms scheduling, scope, and paperwork needs. That way, each request is clearly defined from the start. A short email is enough to begin. We will reply with next steps.
In your email, please:
- Describe the matter in general terms
- Name the services you are seeking
- Note any timing needs
Expert Witness Testimony, Depositions, and Trial Testimony
Dr. DiCesare gives expert witness testimony on musculoskeletal, joint, and tendon injuries. This includes depositions and trial testimony. His opinions rest on clinical findings and a close look at the records. The attorney and our office confirm details such as timing and availability.
Credentials and Professional Standards
The Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin posts Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 702(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab). It lets a qualified expert testify under certain conditions. The expert’s knowledge must go beyond what an average person knows. It must also help the judge or jury understand the evidence or decide a disputed fact. The rule adds that the expert’s methods must be generally accepted in the field.
His clinical work centers on non-surgical care of these injuries.
Dr. DiCesare’s background:
- Osteopathic and sports medicine physician
- Family practice residency at UPMC St. Margaret
- Sports medicine fellowship with Allegheny Health Network
- Has taught doctors around the world to use ultrasound and prolotherapy through the American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an IME and a treating physician’s evaluation?
An IME is done by a physician who is not the patient’s treating provider. It is meant to evaluate, not to give ongoing care. A treating physician’s evaluation is part of ongoing treatment. It focuses on diagnosis and care planning.
Does Dr. DiCesare perform IMEs for work injuries?
Yes. IMEs are available for injuries to bones, joints, and muscles, including work injuries. Dr. DiCesare serves on workers’ compensation panels. Our page on work related injuries describes how our office approaches the care of injured workers.
How does the Frye standard relate to expert testimony in Pennsylvania?
The comment to Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 702 says that the state follows the Frye general-acceptance standard. This standard applies to the methods behind an expert opinion. The Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab) posts the rule and its comment. Dr. Jacob DiCesare relies on standard clinical methods. These include a review of the history, a physical exam, and imaging when needed.
How are fees for medicolegal services handled?
Our office discusses fees directly when a request is made. To start that conversation, email emilyk@greensburgortho.com with a brief description of the matter, and our team will reply.
How do I request an independent medical examination or expert consultation?
Email our office at emilyk@greensburgortho.com with a brief description of your request. Please name the services you are seeking and note any timing needs. Our team will reply with next steps.
Email Our Office About Medicolegal Services
Expertise You Can Trust, Compassion You Deserve