Maximum medical improvement, or MMI, is a status that a workers’ compensation recipient reaches when their injury has no more room to heal from continued treatment. MMI doesn’t mean you’re no longer affected by your work injuries. Rather, it indicates that your condition is stable and unlikely to improve further functionally.
Who Determines When a Worker Has Reached MMI?
The doctor treating you under the authorization of your employer and its workers’ compensation insurer will determine when you’ve reached MMI. However, if your employer’s insurance company disagrees with your doctor, it can request an independent medical examination (IME) for a second opinion on your condition.
What Is a Workers' Compensation Impairment Rating?
An impairment rating is your doctor’s evaluation of how much your condition will permanently affect your functionality once you’ve reached MMI, expressed as a percentage. Your impairment rating can determine whether you are eligible for long-term disability benefits and how much compensation is available to you moving forward.
How Does Reaching MMI Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Reaching MMI can change how your workers’ compensation claim is handled and impact your benefits. You can still receive treatment aimed at managing your condition, but your baseline functionality won’t be expected to improve over time.
Can You Keep Your Workers' Compensation Benefits After Reaching MMI?
Yes, depending on the circumstances of your case, you can continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits even after you’ve reached MMI. The type of injury you have and how severe it was will influence which benefits are available to you, how much you can receive, and how long you’ll continue to receive them.
Factors that can impact your future benefits after reaching MMI include:
- Whether you’ve suffered a permanent disability
- If you’re able to return to work, or have permanent work restrictions based on your condition
- If you need additional, ongoing medical treatment to manage your condition
What Should You Do if You Receive an MMI Determination?
If your doctor tells you that your injury has reached MMI, you should ask as many questions as possible to fully understand what’s next for your workers’ compensation claim. Some important questions to ask include:
- What does reaching MMI mean for my injury in particular?
- Do I have any permanent work restrictions based on my condition?
- Are you assigning an impairment rating for my condition?
- Will I require any continuing medical treatment?
- How will all of this impact my benefits going forward?
Make sure to follow all the medical instructions you’re given, and save any medical records or written communications for later. If you disagree with your doctor’s determination or aren’t sure what to do next, consider reaching out to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for a free consultation.
Get Help With Your MMI Determination From a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Understanding your MMI determination and its implications is critical for planning your financial future. If you have questions about MMI or need guidance concerning your workers’ compensation benefits, a Miami work injury lawyer can help. Our legal team at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to answer your questions here to help. Contact us online or call (305) 363-7099 today to schedule a free consultation.
When Could a Workplace Injury Attorney Be Beneficial?
Working with an attorney is always beneficial. An attorney will advocate for your best interests and protect your rights. They can also take on the complex tasks required to file a claim. However, there are some circumstances where a lawyer is especially beneficial to your case, including if any of the following happen:
- Your claim is denied
- Your injuries are severe
- A third party may be liable
- The insurance company is pressuring you to settle
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights as an employee and evaluate all available avenues for recovery.
Learn How Payer Law Can Support Your Workplace Injury Claim
A Miami workers’ compensation lawyer can review the circumstances of your workplace injury and determine whether a third-party claim may provide an additional avenue for compensation. Our team at Payer Law can help you understand your legal options, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and advocate for your interests throughout the claims process.
If another party’s negligence contributed to your injury, we can pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to recover. Call our law office today at (305) 363-7099 to discuss your workplace injury claim and learn how James D. Payer and his team can help.
