If you are an employee in Georgia and have been injured or fallen sick while at work, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This type of compensation covers payment for medical expenses, and a portion of your weekly wages. It is meant to help you recover from the injury and get back to work. This whole concept sounds simple enough, but in reality, it is much more complicated. What happens after you reach MMI or maximum medical improvement in Conyers, GA?
When you file for workers’ comp benefits, you need to do so in a way that proves you actually deserve the benefits. This entails understanding maximum medical improvement. If you don’t where to start or how to proceed, our lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Conyers, GA is here to help you.
We are always available and have helped many employees over the years with anything revolving around workers’ comp. Call us at 470-518-5026 and get more assistance.
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What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in Conyers, GA?
MMI is a term that employers, insurance providers, healthcare providers, and attorneys use to show that your work-related injury or condition has healed as much as expected and your ability to work has progressed. As a result, you do not need further treatment or rehabilitation, or receiving any won’t improve your condition.
Your doctor is expected to try all viable treatment options before deciding that you have reached max medical improvement. You want an MMI designation that indicates full recovery. However, for most people, it is a sign that they will have to come to some level with the negative effects of their injuries.
An MMI diagnosis doesn’t always imply full recovery, but that treatment no longer makes sense. For an employee who has sustained an injury or occupational illness, it can imply the following:
– The injuries are completely healed and the worker can resume working.
– The injuries aren’t completely healed, but the health care professional has determined the situation will not improve. In such a situation, you can only go back to work if the position is within the new limitations.
– The injuries aren’t healed, but the treating doctor has concluded that the condition will not improve. In this situation, the practitioner assigns an impairment rating on your injury.
Who Decides When You Have Hit Maximum Medical Improvement in Conyers, GA?
Only a certified doctor is allowed to dictate when an injured employee has reached MMI. The insurance carrier can ask for an independent assessment in order to determine the max medical improvement. Next, they’ll file a report and send the copies to the patient, employer, and insurance company.
The next step in MMI diagnosis depends on the treating doctor. If they agree with the report released by the examiner, the temp workers’ compensation is terminated on the medical examination’s date or after the treating doctor’s approval.
However, if the treating physician does not agree with the assessment report, they’ll forward the claim to the state board of worker’s compensation or the relevant judge for a hearing. In such a situation, the board or judge has the ultimate say in regard to your MMI.
In some situations, hitting max medical improvement means that you have completely recovered and you no longer have working limitations. There’s a grey line, however, and your future cannot be guaranteed to stay the same. There is the possibility to get better if some viable treatment methods have not been tried, but there is also the possibility of the injury or illness becoming worse.
Does Medical Treatment Continue After a Maximum Medical Improvement Diagnosis?
If your doctor determines that you’ve hit MMI, it does not mean that the treatment will stop. You are still eligible for assistance in pain management and yearly doctor visits. The costs related to these will be handled by your boss as long as ongoing treatment is needed. Also, it does not mean that the employees’ wage replacement disability rewards will halt.
If your boss says you might lose your access to benefits, it is advisable to seek help from a skilled workers’ compensation attorney like one from our firm, the Workers’ Comp Lawyers Coalition. You will need to hire a skilled and board-certified workers’ compensation attorney in order to protect your rights.
What Happens if I Cannot Resume Normal Work After Maxim Medical Improvement Diagnosis?
In this case, you have the choice to accept the Clincher Agreement. This means you can choose to accept a certain amount as you have reached the state’s MMI.
Your work may necessitate that you perform at a certain degree, something you may not be able to do as a result of the disease or injury. This may necessitate training for another role and a settlement for damages as you get into another profession, looking for an ideal position.
You need to consider every step of this process carefully and the best way to ensure good results is by working with a professional workers’ comp lawyer in Conyers, GA.
Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today!
The world of workers’ compensation in the state of Georgia is no walk in the park, especially if the doctor concludes you have reached max medical improvement. If you need ongoing treatment for your condition or are no longer able to do your job, it is advisable to seek legal counsel in order to protect your rights.
As such, don’t hesitate to contact a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer in Conyers, GA. If you are not sure what to do or suspect your rights might be violated, reach out by calling our offices at 470-518-5026 or file an online form and get a free, no-obligation consultation.
Remember that your profession and financial future may depend on the actions you take at this stage. As such, it is best to hire the best lawyers. The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition has years of experience and has helped many employees protect their rights. We work on a contingency basis, and so, do not be afraid to reach out.
