When a doctor informs a patient that their condition has reached maximum medical condition, there is no further improvement that can be done. In minor injuries, MMI workers comp means complete recovery. In severe injuries, it means that the professionals have done the best they could to have you healed, but some effects will remain in your body. It is commendable to be patient until you get to the maximum medical improvement point to ensure that you have received all the benefits you deserve.
Employers need to take the workers’ comp insurance to protect employees when injured in their line of duty. If you have a minor injury, you can comfortably handle their claims without the help of an attorney. However, suppose an employee sustains severe injuries that threaten their life and ability to perform daily routines. In that case, they require the assistance of an injury attorney to help them navigate through the claims. The laws and regulations relating to compensation at the workplace are complex and are best understood by a legal expert.
An attorney helps determine a fair settlement in situations where a person reaches the maximum medical improvement. The victim has to choose whether to receive lump-sum compensation or continue to receive benefits that cater to the ongoing medical condition and other personal needs.
What is an employee eligible for after reaching MMI
Even though MMI is the ultimate point in the recovery process, a worker is still entitled to benefits such as;
Permanent disability benefits
If workers sustain severe forms of injury that render them physically unfit to continue working, they are still eligible for permanent total disability benefits from the employer.
Compensation for lost wages
In some instances, workers get injuries that make them unsuitable for their position before getting injured, and the company may relocate them to alternative departments. However, there are instances in which a person cannot work any longer, and in such cases, they are eligible for compensation of lost wages.
Settlement of lump sum
Upon reaching the maximum medical improvement, a victim may be offered a lump sum settlement. It is advisable to seek an attorney’s expertise before accepting such a settlement, especially if the injury was severe.
Rehabilitation allowances
Some companies have back-to-work rehabilitation programs to help employees resume their duties. If your workplace has such programs, then victims of work-related injuries are eligible for compensation for rehabilitation costs.
Percentage of permanent partial disability compensation
Employees who reach the maximum improvement can be compensated based on the percentage of partial disability sustained after the injury.
Relevance of MMI to your compensation
Employees that reach this level can have their claims moving towards settlement. There will be a need for further investigations regarding future treatment options and extra medical care. It allows for further preparation that caters to these needs. Injured victims might have already received the best medical care and are aware of the condition they will remain with for the rest of their lives.
If there are any interests in defending the victim, it allows for better evaluation of the circumstances. It allows the company to plan for the set reserves and settlement schemes.
In situations where the victim is not incapacitated, it allows for a good transition for the employee to resume their duties.
It is commendable for the company to make the first move in matters regarding employee compensation claims. The hiring company can get in touch with the compensation attorney and the employee to discuss the matter.
Victims should discuss with their attorneys and agree on the best time to settle claims after maximum medical improvement. This is because some conditions that victims are left with require medical attention from time to time, and resolving a claim would mean an end to all forms of compensation.
