What Is Maximum Medical Improvement?

When a person is injured on the job, they will generally receive workers’ compensation benefits for the duration of time in which they are injured (unless they meet one of a handful of exceptions). Benefits in Florida will stop at one of two points during the recovery process: either when 104 weeks have elapsed, or when the injured person has reached what is known as maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI can be a complex concept for the average person, but the right attorney can help.

No Further Improvement Expected

Maximum medical improvement is said to have been reached when medical professionals no longer reasonably expect any further improvement in an injury. This does not mean it will be completely healed – a cut on one’s arm that required stitches may leave a scar, but if the injury itself has completely healed, MMI has then been reached, regardless of the scar’s presence.

When MMI is reached, a worker is expected (in most cases) to be able to go back to work. Reaching MMI effectively means a person can no longer collect workers’ compensation benefits, though they may be eligible for other relief if the injury is still sufficiently debilitating – for example, a long-term injury may make one eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

MMI & Impairment Rating

One major use of MMI is in determining a person’s impairment rating, which in turn will help determine their eligibility for certain types of benefits. A person who has reached MMI will be given an impairment rating between 0 (fully healed) and 20 (totally and permanently disabled). A person’s impairment rating will affect their future workload and employability.

While the majority of medical professionals are honest, it does happen where a doctor will force an injured worker back to work too soon, either out of genuine error or to further the interests of the employer. It is important for the injured employee to understand MMI, and what it means and does not mean. Consulting an attorney can help place you on a firmer legal footing.

Contact An Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Being injured at work can throw a wrench into a person’s plans, and having to negotiate complex concepts like maximum medical improvement can seemingly make matters worse. An Orlando workers’ compensation attorney from the Hornsby Law Group can be your guide through the legal process, and help ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today at (407) 499-8887 to schedule an initial consultation.

Source:

myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/employee/benefits-available-to-injured-workers