Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
How far can I be required to go for a medical examination?
I am the plaintiff in a civil action. The defendant's counsel is requiring me to be examined by a doctor. It is over 300 miles round trip to see this doctor. What is the distance at which I can say no, or ask to be driven?
3 Answers from Attorneys
medical examination
Three hundred miles is harassment.
You can file a motion to the judge arguing that 300 miles is unduly burdensome and harassing for an IME. Generally, 75 miles is the limit for reasonable travel.
Re: How far can I be required to go for a medical examination?
Both Mr. Pavone and Mr. Somit have provided you complete
answers so I will not repeat them. However, it
troubles me that you are not represented by an attorney or
if you are he is not answering your questions.
If you are a plaintiff in a lawsuit dealing with a
defense attorney you are a brave person and it sounds
like the attorney is walking all over you. I am
not sure of your reason for not retaining counsel, but
you might want to atleast have an attorney that you
can consult with when situations such as this arise.
I am located in San Luis Obispo, but I practice
throughout the state of California. I have an email
address and an 800 number which is 888-5netlaw. I would
be happy to talk with you regarding your rights in
this lawsuit and to advice you on situations such
as these. Please feel free to contact me for a free
consultation. I look forward to speaking with you.
Re: How far can I be required to go for a medical examination?
Code of Civil Procedure Section 2032(c)(2) provides that a defendant may
demand a physical exam (one), which does not include any diagnostic test or procedure that is paintful, protracted
or intrusive, "and is conducted within 75 miles of the residence of
the examinee." The defendant will need a court order, or your consent,
for an examination farther away. You must make your objection within
20 days of service of the demand, but can be relieved of the resulting
waiver on application to the Court.