Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is a term often used in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. MMI can affect compensation amounts, return-to-work decisions, and permanent disability assessment. This term may leave you with questions, and top workers’ comp attorneys near you can answer them and clear up any confusion you may have.
What is Maximum Medical Improvement?
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) defines maximum medical improvement (MMI) as a treatment plateau in the healing process. This means that the injured worker has either fully recovered from their injury or should not expect any more change or improvement in their condition. In other words, if you receive treatment or therapy for an injury and reach MMI, your medical condition has stabilized to the maximum extent possible.
Getting an MMI determination does not necessarily mean you have fully recovered. Nevertheless, when a physician determines that you have reached MMI, your temporary total workers’ comp compensation benefits may be terminated.
What Are My Options After Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement?
If you are getting compensation for medical treatment and receive an MMI determination, the best work injury lawyers in the area can advise you on other options. They may recommend that you investigate other benefits you may qualify for, such as rehabilitation, wage loss, permanent partial disability, a lump sum settlement, or permanent total disability. Just because reimbursement from one type of benefit runs out, never assume you have run out of avenues.
Fighting for Family and Workers’ Rights Since 1988
Maximum medical improvement determinations can affect your long-term financial outlook, especially if you still have expenses due to your work-related injury. The law firm of Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, L.P.A., Co., has been advocating for family and workers’ rights in the Cincinnati area since 1988. If you are facing an MMI and still have medical and legal issues, contact us today by calling 513.721.6500 or using our contact form. We offer a free consultation where you can talk with a local work-related disability lawyer and get answers to your questions.