The state of Georgia requires business owners with over three workers to have workers’ compensation insurance. The workers’ compensation insurance protects employees from illnesses and injuries sustained at their workplace. Therefore, you are eligible to receive maximum compensation for the diseases and injuries sustained.
However, you may lose some benefits once you reach maximum medical improvement in Covington, GA. Your employer might hire the best lawyers to ensure you do not get further benefits. We highly recommend hiring a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to fight for your rights.
In fact, you might not know what to do once your physician determines you have reached maximum medical improvement. Do not let your employer or insurer deny you further benefits. You need an experienced Covington workers’ compensation attorney by your side to help you avoid losing the benefits you are entitled to.
We, at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Covington, GA, can help you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We will not let your employer or insurance company reduce your settlement. If you have reached maximum medical improvement, call us today. We will review your case for FREE.
Table of Contents
What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) means you have exhausted your medical treatment options. If your physician says you have reached maximum medical improvement, it means you no longer need further rehabilitation or medical treatment since your injury will not improve further with more treatment.
It may also mean you have either completely recovered from your work-related injury or your work-related injury is now stable. Even if you seek further medical treatment, you are less likely to improve further. However, you may lose some benefits after your physician declares you have reached medical improvement.
The best thing you can do is to consult a credible workers’ compensation lawyer before doing anything. Do not trust your employer or insurance company to tell you the truth. If you have a strong case, you are more likely to get further benefits. Hire an attorney to review your case to ensure you do not lose your benefits.
Who Determines When the Employee Has Achieved Maximum Medical Improvement?
The physician, who is treating the injured employee, determines whether or not the employee has achieved maximum medical improvement. It is illegal for someone else, including the employer and insurer, to determine that the employee has reached maximum medical improvement.
Therefore, your physician will regularly examine your condition to know if your condition has become stabled or you have completely healed. Once you have fully recovered or your condition has become stable, your physician will declare you have reached maximum medical treatment since you no longer need further treatments.
It is much better to let the physician determine if your condition has become stable. So, do not go back to work and perform your normal duties thinking you have completely recovered from your injuries. Your condition can deteriorate quickly by performing your normal duties. If your physician determines that you have not reached maximum medical improvement, the physician will use alternative treatment options to improve your condition.
Does Medical Treatment Continue After an MMI Diagnosis?
Yes. The medical treatment may continue once your physician determines you have reached maximum medical improvement. Especially if your physician has not approved you to go back to perform your normal work duties. It may not be possible to perform your normal work duties due to your injuries.
In some cases, your physician may approve you to get back to your job with restrictions since you will still need medical treatment. For example, you may need further treatment to manage pain. You are more likely to go back to work if you have completely recovered since you can now perform your normal work duties.
What Happens If You Cannot Return to Work and Perform at the Same Level After Your MMI Diagnosis?
Once your physician determines you have achieved maximum medical improvement, it does not mean you can return to work and perform your normal work duties. It can take time for your injuries to completely heal, so you may not be able to perform at the same level.
Therefore, once you reach maximum medical improvement and you cannot perform your normal work duties, you can still receive your medical treatments and your weekly benefits. The benefits can continue for 400 weeks. If you are unable to work full-time, you will still receive the benefits.
After you reach maximum medical improvement in some cases, you and your employer can decide to settle the case. You can do this once your injury has become stable. However, do not trust your employer to protect your rights. You may live with your injuries for the rest of your life, so you will need a reasonable settlement.
It is even better to discuss your case with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer to help you determine the best time to resolve your case. Especially if you do not plan to get back to your previous job. Your employer may agree to pay a lump sum of money for your injuries. You will use the money for further treatment and find a new job.
Having the right lawyer ensures you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Call Us If You’ve Reached Maximum Medical Improvement in Covington
It is hard to understand the laws related to workers’ compensation in Georgia. Insurance companies will not care if you do not understand the laws. They can even take advantage of your naivety. They may even make sure you do not get further benefits once your physician determines you have reached maximum medical improvement.
If you cannot get back to your job once your physician determines you have reached maximum medical improvement, you will need the right lawyer to help you seek further compensation benefits. Hire a lawyer to fight and protect your rights. Having a workers’ compensation lawyer increases the chance of securing your benefits.
If you are looking for reliable and trustworthy workers’ compensation lawyers in Covington, GA, then contact us at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition. Our lawyers are ready to help you with your case. We will not let your employer disregard your privileges. Let us help you get what you are owed. Contact us today at 470-518-5026 for a free case review.
