If you have been injured at work, it is important to know your legal options so you can get the justice you deserve. In a workers’ compensation case, employers and insurance companies want to get you to the point of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) so they can stop your benefits.

WHAT IS MAXIMUM MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT (MMI)?

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is a legal term used to define the point at which an injured worker has recovered to their fullest potential, according to a medical professional. Once an injured worker has reached MMI, their status of temporary total or temporary partial disability may cease, which may allow the employer or insurance company to stop their benefits.

While many may conclude MMI means that an injured worker has fully recovered and returned to their former state, this is not always the case. For example, an on-the-job injury may result in permanent loss of functioning, cognitive impairments, or chronic pain, no matter how much treatment or rehabilitation he/she receives.

MMI simply means that an injured worker has reached a stable condition in which a medical professional believes no additional significant improvements will be made.

CAN I GET COMPENSATION AFTER REACHING MMI?

A treating physician may determine you have reached MMI but still require ongoing medical care. Individuals who are permanently injured and have reached MMI will receive an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) from their physician. This rating is a percentage between 0 and 100 determining your level of impairment, or loss of functioning/ability and will help determine how much you may receive in future compensation.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME?

The amount of time it takes to reach MMI is different depending on the specific injury and the person. In addition, different medical professionals might disagree on when a patient has reached MMI. Each injury heal time is unique and depends on the amount of time it takes for someone’s body to respond to treatment.

HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP ME WITH MY WORKERS’ COMP CASE?

In a workers’ compensation case, additional litigation may be required after MMI is reached.

Your workers’ comp attorney may file a workers’ comp claim for additional benefits depending on your current work status and the benefits you have received. These cases are complex and require legal assistance from a qualified attorney. If you were injured at work, a Cavanaugh & Thickens workers’ comp attorney will evaluate your case for free and explain your options to best help you. Call (803) 888-2200 today to schedule your consultation free of charge.

Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas in this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Each case is different and must be evaluated based on its own particular facts and merits. This article in no way creates an attorney-client relationship with the reader.