What is Maximum Medical Improvement?

To put it simply, maximum medical improvement (MMI) is the state a person reaches after suffering an injury where their condition can no longer improve. When it comes to workers’ compensation cases, doctors let injured workers know when they have reached MMI. MMI does not mean that you are 100% healed, it only means that you have done everything possible to treat your injury symptoms. Before a worker is determined to have reached MMI, all available treatment options must first be exhausted.

What Happens When I Reach MMI?

If you are receiving workers’ comp benefits and you reach MMI, a doctor will assess your overall condition and give you a disability rating. Make sure that you or your attorney ask the doctor for written documentation of your disability rating and why it was determined that you reached MMI.  

The rating that you are given by your doctor will let your employer know what type of work-related tasks you are capable of performing. Whether or not your employer can accommodate your condition will depend on if they have a suitable position that fits your injury criteria. For this reason, a disability rating is a crucial aspect of negotiating your workers’ comp settlement.

What If My Injuries Get Worse?

If your case is still pending and your injuries become worse within two years of your MMI designation, you should return to your doctor for an evaluation. The doctor will assess your new symptoms and determine if you require additional treatment. If you disagree with the doctor’s assessment, you can seek a second opinion.

Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you are having trouble obtaining benefits for your work-related injury, you should consult with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer to find out what legal options are available for you. At The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping injured workers pursue maximum compensation. Let us review your case today so we can get started defending your rights.