Workers’ compensation law permits employees to receive compensation if they get sick due to poor working conditions or if they are injured at their place of work. The workers’ comp case managers and doctors will look at the maximum medical improvement to determine the appropriate compensation.
However, it is difficult to file a workers’ comp claim on your own since it relies on complicated words and legal jargon. Maximum medical improvement is even more confusing to most people. That is why you need to hire the best Acworth workers’ compensation lawyers to help you get the benefits.
At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we know how to navigate workers’ compensation claims. Our team of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers is ready to fight for your rights. We will guide you through every stage of your workers’ compensation claim. Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation.
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What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Maximum medical improvement describes the point where the condition of the injured employee has become stable, so the employee can return to work. In some cases, the employee can stop receiving further medical treatment. However, this does not mean the injured employee has completely healed from their injuries.
Once you reach maximum medical improvement, it is important to talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer to know your rights. This is because you may lose some benefits if you are not careful. It is even more beneficial to you to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you with the whole workers’ compensation process.
If you cannot return to work once you reach maximum medical improvement, you will need compensation for your injuries. You can agree with your employer on a settlement. You will need a lawyer to ensure you are getting what you deserve. Do not just trust your employer to give you the amount you deserve.
Who Determines When the Employee Has Achieved Maximum Medical Improvement?
The doctor, who directs the medical treatment of the injured employee, is the one to determine when the employee has achieved maximum medical improvement. Therefore, the same doctor will determine if the employee is ready to get back to work.
If the doctor determines the injured employee has achieved maximum medical improvement, the doctor is determining the injury of the employee has become stable. Therefore, the injury will no longer further improve with the treatment.
Remember, the case of the injured employee is not over, even if the doctor determines the employee has reached maximum medical improvement. That is why once the doctor makes their assurance, it may never stop the benefits the injured employee has been getting.
This is because maximum medical improvement is one of the most important stages in the workers’ compensation process. MMI helps the injured employee know their condition and when they expect to return to their job. However, the person may not know what to do next. That is why we recommend hiring a workers’ comp lawyer.
Does Medical Treatment Continue After an MMI Diagnosis?
If the doctor determines the injured employee has reached maximum medical improvement, it does not mean the medical treatment will stop. The employee may still see the doctor for yearly checkups. And the employer may have to pay for any further treatment. That is why having a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer is important.
If the employee feels they may lose some of the benefits, the employee needs to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. This is because it is hard to know what to do next once the doctor determines the employee has reached MMI.
In fact, some people have lost their privileges because they know what to do next. Do not even trust what your employer will tell you. Employers will try to avoid paying more money since they do not like losing money. You will need a good workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you receive all the benefits.
Talking to a lawyer can help the employee clear any doubts and ensure the employee does not lose all the benefits.
What If You Cannot Return to Work and Perform at the Same Level?
If you cannot return to work and perform at the same level after your MMI diagnosis, you can accept compensation from your employer for your injuries and move to another job. You do not have to do the same job. You can even start your own business. You are free to accept compensation and look for another job that you can perform much better.
If you decide to reach an agreement with your employer, do not rush to accept compensation from your employer. It is better to talk to an expert to help you make the right decision. If you decide to give up all rights to additional compensation, your employer can pay you a lump sum of money. Therefore, you need an expert to help you get the amount you rightfully deserve.
Contact Our Acworth Workers’ Comp Lawyers for a Free Consultation
It is hard to deal with the workers’ compensation process on your own. It is even harder to know what to do once your doctor determines that you have reached maximum medical improvement. If you are not careful, you may lose your benefits. This is because employers hating paying these benefits.
If you cannot get back to your job or if you need further medical treatment, you will need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you secure these benefits. Hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind since you can trust your lawyer to protect your rights.
However, you must make sure you are hiring the right lawyer since you need to receive the benefits. If you decide to fight for your rights on your own, you are more likely to make a lot of mistakes. You may even lose your benefits because of these mistakes. It is better to contact experienced and knowledgeable lawyers.
Looking for the best workers’ compensation lawyers in Acworth, GA? If yes, then contact our credible workers’ compensation lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition. Our lawyers are ready to help you with your workers’ compensation cases. If you feel you may lose your benefits, contact our lawyers today.
