If you sustained a serious injury in a workplace accident, you might want to file a workers’ compensation claim to get the benefits you need. Workers’ compensation claims involve a lot of complexities that can impact your benefits, including whether or not you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Often, an experienced Richmond workers’ comp lawyer will want to help you determine the value of your claim after you have reached MMI.
What is MMI?
The workers’ comp benefits you may get depend on the nature and severity of your injury. It is a permanent or temporary injury? A minor injury like a broken ankle is expected to heal within a short period, without requiring extensive medical care. But more serious and permanent injuries can take weeks, months, or even years of treatment. In this case, your outcome won’t be sure right away.
Reaching maximum medical improvement means recovering from your injury at a point when no further treatment can improve your condition. Thus, you have recovered from the workplace injury as much as you can. Reaching an MMI without full recovery allows you to continue to seek benefits through workers’ compensation insurance for your permanent disability.
Steps to Take After Reaching MMI
Once you reach MMI, you should take some steps to maintain your workers’ comp claim and seek full monetary recovery. These include:
- Refusing settlement. After your doctor determines you have reached MMI, insurance companies may make a quick settlement offer to avoid making long-term payments for your injury. Although the settlement may initially seem generous, it may not be enough to cover your future losses that result from your disability. Before you accept any settlement offer, make sure to consult an attorney first.
- Seek second opinions. The evaluation of your doctor determines the compensation you may get. If you think the doctor understated your condition or did not properly estimate your ability to return to work, get a second opinion from another doctor. To ensure the legality of what you do, always consult your lawyer.
- Hire a lawyer. getting diagnosed with a permanent disability is already stressful without worrying about legal issues and your finances. Your lawyer can handle your claim, so you can focus on your health. With them on your side, you avoid making mistakes that can compromise your future.
A great attorney will help you seek the financial benefits you need to recover financially and physically from a workplace accident.
