MMI is an abbreviation for maximum medical improvement. Workers who reach MMI have reached the point where further medical treatment will not improve their injury. MMI applies to anyone who has been injured at work and is receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If you are injured at work, your employer pays your medical bills (through their insurance) and gives you two-thirds of your average wage while you recover. Understanding MMI is critical because when you reach it, that compensation ends.
Again, the money you receive comes from the insurance company that your employer purchased insurance through. They can and will stop sending you checks when they learn that you have reached the MMI. Some laws allow you to receive care after you reach the MMI. Examples include additional pain medication or physical therapy, and your attorney can discuss this with you further when they understand the facts associated with your case.
Once you have reached the MMI, the next question becomes whether you have a permanent disability.
What If I Am Unable to Work?
This is a common question and closely connected to the conversation around MMI. When a doctor determines that your condition will not improve further, they will conduct an Individual Rating Evaluation (IRE).
Any physician who assigns this number will base it on the American Medical Association’s Guides, also called the AMA Guides. Your impairment rating will be expressed as a percentage—and it is extremely important. For example, if you injured your knee at work and tore your ACL, there’s a possibility you may have a limited range of motion or that your leg will no longer be as strong as it was before your injury.
Your impairment rating directly relates to how much you are eligible for in terms of future compensation. The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission uses this to come up with a figure for how much your disability award will be. Though we mentioned previously that your impairment rating is essential, it is not the only factor. As objective as this may seem, there is still room for error. Suppose you don’t receive an appropriate impairment rating. In that case, you can contact an attorney to help you obtain another assessment from a neutral third party or an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
Get in Touch With A South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney
MMI is one of many obstacles that you may face. Some workers have had their claims denied or discovered their employee never has workers’ compensation insurance. If you followed your company’s procedures, got injured, and need assistance with any component of your claim, contact the attorneys at Cate & Brough to schedule your consultation.
Cate & Brough, P.A.
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