Handling a workers’ compensation claim in Louisiana can leave employees with many questions. For example, many of these claims involve concerns about your Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
What is MMI in workers’ compensation, and does it affect benefits? MMI refers to the maximum amount of healing you can do after an accident. It may impact your ability to receive disability benefits after an accident.
You can learn more with a Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyer from our team at Laborde Earles. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
What does MMI Refer to in Medical Situations?
Louisiana uses MMI to refer to “maximum medical improvement.” This term often comes up when considering workers’ compensation claims. Reaching your MMI after an accident does not mean you have fully recovered from your injuries.
Instead, doctors say you’ve reached the point of MMI when you’ve recovered as much as possible from an illness or injury. At this point, additional treatment will not result in additional improvements to your health.
For example, an individual who is paralyzed on the job may reach a point of MMI while remaining unable to walk or otherwise use their legs.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientDoes MMI Matter for Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Insurance companies may request information about your MMI after an on-the-job injury. Generally, they only request this information after you’ve received treatment for your injuries to determine if you require additional compensation.
The insurance company does not get to decide if you reached your MMI. Instead, this information must come from a medical professional. The insurance company may request an independent medical exam to assess your condition or take information from your doctor.
The company looks at issues like when you reached your MMI and whether you have an impairment rating due to the effects of your on-the-job accident.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientDoes Your MMI Impact Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
MMI can impact your workers’ comp claim when determining if you’re eligible for disability payments after an on-the-job accident.
For example, the workers’ comp system in Louisiana may disqualify you from receiving temporary total disability payments once you recover enough to return to work, even if you still have pain or other issues from your initial accident.
You may still receive some future wage benefits if you earn under 90% of your pre-accident pay, but you can expect to see a decrease in your benefits as you recover partially from your injuries.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientDoes Reaching Your MMI Impact Damages for Your Medical Bills?
Reaching your MMI after a workplace accident in Louisiana should not change the funds you receive to cover your healthcare costs. Workers’ comp coverage should still provide damages for your:
- Emergency treatment
- Time spent in the hospital
- Medical tests and necessary procedures
- Medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
However, once you reach your MMI and a point where you can return to work in some capacity, you may receive less compensation to cover lost pay or disability payments. Your workers’ comp attorney can provide more information about these effects.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientDo Insurance Companies Accept MMI Ratings?
Sometimes, insurance companies push back against MMI ratings because they do not want the responsibility of long-term disability payments. However, you have a right to an evaluation from a third-party medical professional to ensure you receive an accurate assessment.
A Lawyer Can Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim and MMI Questions
You don’t have to figure out the complicated legal issues around on-the-job accidents and your MMI on your own. Instead, you can seek professional help from a workers’ comp attorney in Louisiana.
Your lawyer can track your losses and help you explore options to secure fair compensation to cover your losses. Generally, you have to file a workers’ comp claim for damages after an accident at work.
However, if a third party caused your injuries, you may also have a chance to seek additional funds through a lawsuit. We can review these options when you contact us for assistance.
How Long do You Have to Reach Your MMI?
Everyone recovers from injuries at different rates. Some people reach their MMI within a few weeks, while others may take years. You should speak with your doctor about your recovery and the treatments you need after a workplace injury.
However, it’s essential to file your workers’ compensation claim quickly. Additionally, we recommend that you notify your employer of your accident immediately.
Speak to Us About MMI in Workers’ Compensation Claims
What is MMI in workers’ compensation, and does it affect your benefits? MMI refers to your maximum possible recovery after an accident and can impact your ability to receive disability benefits in Louisiana.
You can learn more about your legal situation with a workers’ comp lawyer from our team at Laborde Earles. Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
