At WCL Coalition, we exclusively handle worker’s compensation cases. Over the years now, we have worked on many work-related compensations. This has helped us gain in-depth knowledge of all aspects regarding this area of the law. This is a benefit that you should take advantage of. We understand the impact an injury can have on a worker and their family and how Dallas maximum medical improvement laws impact your case in Dallas, GA.
It does not matter the kind of personal injury you have sustained; you need to be compensated for your injuries. However, the sad reality is that insurance companies will take all action, aiming at offering low monetary compensation possible or a way to deny the claim. For this reason, if you are looking for someone who is experienced, knowledgeable about compensation laws, and one who will guide you through the complicated legal processes, you are in the right place.
Our worker’s compensation lawyers have the skills, knowledge, experience, and determination to resolve even the toughest worker’s compensation cases. That is because we bring unique and apply out-of-the-box thinking to the table.
We understand you want the best legal representation. You want a Dallas workers’ compensation lawyer who will value your input and be relentless in fighting for your rights. Look no further because, at WCL Coalition, we are committed to providing client-focused service. Your future is our concern, and our goal is to get you the best medical care by ensuring you have received the maximum compensation possible. Give us a call today and talk to our worker’s compensation lawyer.
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What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
After an injury, it is quite possible to experience both disability and pain coming from your injury for the rest of your life. This occurs when your injury is declared to have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This term is used in worker’s compensation cases, and it means that an injury cannot improve further medically.
NOTE: It does not mean that a worker is feeling better, but rather the injury has reached its maximum improvement medically.
The good news is that an employer cannot decide if an employee’s injuries have reached MMI or not. It has to be determined by an experienced physician. Maximum Medical Improvement may still happen while one is still receiving treatment, especially if treatment is offered to ensure a specific level of functionality.
Who Determines When The Employee Has Achieved Maximum Medical Improvement?
According to worker’s compensation guidelines in Georgia, only an authorized treating physician can determine if an injury has reached its maximum medical improvement or not. In fact, it is illegal for anyone else (a lawyer, employer, etc.) to declare MMI and may attract legal action.
NOTE: Maximum Medical Improvement is a state that you can only reach after treatment.
For example, assuming that a worker injured their hand while working a machine to a point where it was almost cut off. The treatment procedure will involve reattaching and restoring it as much as possible. Using this example, the worker’s injury will reach MMI when nothing more can be done to improve the injury medically.
Does Medical Treatment Continue After An MMI Diagnosis?
Medical treatment can continue after a worker has reached MMI. When this happens, you may either go to work without or with restrictions which one must follow. In most cases, treatment will continue if the worker still feels pain (pain management purposes).
However, under such a circumstance, the authorized physician cannot come up with alternative treatment options simply because an MMI diagnosis was declared.
What Happens If You Cannot Return To Work Or Perform At The Same Level After MMI Diagnosis?
In some cases, it won’t be possible for a worker to return to work due to their injuries. According to Georgia worker’s compensation laws, it is possible to continue receiving weekly; and medical treatment benefits even if you have reached MMI. This will continue for 400 weeks. It does not matter if you have reached MMI, your benefits will end after the 400th week.
However, when it gets to that time, your employer’s insurance may decide it is time to settle the case. At this point, you would have gained knowledge about your injury, and ways to live with it for the rest of your life.
When you get to this point, it is wise to speak with your worker’s compensation lawyer regarding your claim and if it is the best time to resolve it. At this point, you will be given a Dallas Maximum Medical Improvement rating. The rating given to you will either suspend the insurance benefit or continue receiving the worker’s comp benefits.
What does this mean? If you are given a rating showing that you are healthy enough and can go back to work without restriction, the benefit is going to be suspended. However, if you are given a permanent disability rating, it means that you cannot go to work without restriction. Under this circumstance, you will continue to receive worker’s comp benefits.
NOTE: It will all depend on the disability percentage you are awarded.
Call us today to know more about Dallas Maximum Medical Improvement
Worker’s compensation is a state-mandated insurance cover that all business owners must have. If a worker is injured while at work or gets occupation-related diseases, the worker is legally allowed to seek compensation. However, there are laws or rules that govern both the employer and employee regarding compensation. As such, to receive full compensation, it is wise to work with an experienced worker’s compensation benefits lawyer.
If your physician declares your injuries MMI, it is important to contact us. At WCL Coalition, we know that both your employer and insurance company will exploit all possible ways to either deny or offer you a low settlement amount. Do not fall victim to this, and allow our experienced lawyers to handle your case.
Do not forget that we offer free initial consultation services and work on a contingency basis. This means that we do not get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Furthermore, we will not ask you for any cost; we will handle everything. Call us today for professional legal counsel about your worker’s compensation benefits.
