Legal Representation at the National Insurance Medical Committee in Petach Tikva

National Insurance Medical Committee — What It Is and How It Affects Your Compensation

A National Insurance Medical Committee is the legal-medical body that determines the disability percentage of an accident or occupational disease victim in Israel. The committee's decision directly impacts the amount of financial compensation you will receive, your monthly disability allowance, and additional rights such as vocational rehabilitation and medical treatment. Many victims are unaware that they can contest the committee's decision, file an appeal, and receive professional legal representation that will increase their disability percentage.

Typically, when a person is injured in a traffic accident or work-related incident, the National Insurance directs them to a medical examination before the committee. The committee assesses the degree of permanent damage caused to the victim — that is, the permanent disability percentage of the body or mind. This assessment is not always accurate or fair to the victim, and often, the percentage can be increased by filing an appeal with the assistance of an attorney.

Why Legal Representation in a Medical Committee Is Important

The process before a medical committee is not simple. The committee asks the victim to present their medical condition, the impact on their work capacity, and daily suffering. An attorney experienced in personal injury claims knows how to present the case persuasively, how to bring strong medical evidence, and how to make counter-proposals. In many cases, an increase in disability percentage following a legal appeal results in a significant increase in the total financial compensation.

Disability Percentages — How They Are Calculated

Disability percentages are calculated according to a standard disability table, which is based on the type of injury, its location in the body, and the extent of its impact on the victim's work capacity. For example, a fracture in an arm bone may result in disability ranging from 10–30%, depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on daily functioning. However, this table is merely a tool, and in practice, the committee can decide differently based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Higher disability percentages mean higher financial compensation. Each additional percentage point can add thousands of shekels to your final compensation. Therefore, investing in quality legal representation before the medical committee is of substantial value to the victim.

Medical Committee Process — Stages and Rights of the Injured Party

Stage 1: Referral to the Committee

Following a work accident or occupational disease reported to the National Insurance Institute, the Institute refers the injured party to a medical committee for examination. This referral is part of the standard process, and a postponement of the date can be requested if the injured party is still receiving active medical treatment.

Stage 2: Medical Examination

The injured party appears before the committee (or before a physician appointed by the National Insurance Institute) for a medical examination. This examination includes questions about the illness or injury, physical examination, and sometimes review of medical documentation. An attorney or legal representative may be present at this examination to ensure the injured party is not under undue pressure and that the questions are fair.

Stage 3: Committee Decision

Following the examination, the committee issues a written decision indicating the percentage of disability assigned to the injured party. This decision forms the basis for calculating monetary compensation. If the injured party or the insurer disagree with the decision, an appeal may be filed.

Stage 4: Appeal of the Committee Decision

An appeal of a medical committee decision may be filed within 30 days of receiving the decision. In an appeal, additional evidence, new medical opinions, or legal arguments questioning the original assessment can be presented. An experienced attorney knows how to build a strong appeal, how to present compelling medical evidence, and how to argue before an appeals committee on behalf of the injured party.

Rights of the Injured Party in the Process

• Right to Legal Representation: Every injured party has the right to be accompanied by an attorney or legal representative to the examination and appeal proceedings.
• Right to a Second Medical Opinion: If the injured party disagrees with the committee's medical assessment, they may present another medical opinion from a physician with relevant expertise.
• Right to Evidence:
• Right to Multiple Appeals: An appeal may be filed against the appeals committee decision as well, if there are new legal grounds or new evidence not previously presented.

Comparison Table — Scenarios and Compensation Ranges

The following table presents examples of various scenarios, typical disability percentages, and estimated compensation ranges. It is important to remember that each case is unique, and compensation amounts vary according to the injured party's age, income prior to the accident, and actual degree of disability.

Note: The amounts in the table are estimates only, based on general data. Actual compensation depends on the specific circumstances of the case, the injured party's age, income prior to the accident, required medical care, and the medical committee's decision. Personal legal counsel is essential for obtaining an accurate assessment.

Attorney in Petah Tikva — Why Choose Mandelbaum, Gor, and Witzman-Gor

18 Years of Experience in Tort Law

The law office of Mandelbaum, Gor, Witzman-Gor and Partners has been engaged in representation of plaintiffs in tort law since 2008. Over these years, we have represented hundreds of injured parties in claims involving traffic accidents, workplace injuries, public negligence, and national insurance matters. Our experience covers all stages of proceedings — from handling medical committee hearings to filing claims in court.

Representation of Plaintiffs Only

We represent only plaintiffs (injured parties), not insurance companies or the National Insurance Institute. This means we stand on one side alone — the side of the injured party. We have no conflict of interest, and we are committed to advancing the interests of the injured party at every stage.

Personal and Dedicated Service

Each case is handled personally. We believe that every injured party deserves personal legal advice, thorough explanation of their rights, and strategic planning of their claim. We do not handle cases on a mass basis; each client receives focused attention.

Free Initial Consultation

We offer a free initial consultation. During the meeting, we will listen to your story, review your rights, calculate an estimate of the appropriate compensation, and plan the next steps. If you decide to continue with us, we will work on a contingency fee basis — meaning we will receive a fee only if we win your case or reach a settlement agreement.

Two Offices — Petah Tikva and Ramat Gan

The firm has two offices: one in Petah Tikva (Yoni Netanyahu 8) and one in Ramat Gan (Aryeh Ben Eliezer 12). The Petah Tikva office serves residents of Petah Tikva, Kiryat Ono, Ramla, Lod, and surrounding areas. It is easy and convenient to reach us and meet with a professional attorney in a location close to your home.