Does a Finding of MMI End My Claim?
A client recently asked, "I have been declared MMI. Does that end my claim? What do I do next?"
A finding of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) does not end your workers' compensation claim. A finding of MMI also does not mean you have fully recovered from your injuries. Instead, it is a finding that the allowed conditions in your claim have reached a level of permanency where no further improvement is anticipated. The most immediate effect of a finding of MMI is termination of temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. While the claim does not end, the sudden termination of lost wages is a difficult stage in a claim. When lost wages are terminated, there are other options.
The response to a finding of MMI depends on the unique circumstances of your claim. In some situations, it may be possible to add further conditions and seek reinstatement of lost wages. In other situations, the MMI finding represents a defining moment in the claim where it may be time to consider vocational rehabilitation services through the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. This may especially be true when the allowed conditions have reached a level of permanency, but an injured worker is unable to return to the type of work performed before the accident. In other situations, it may signal the need to push forward on an application for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits under the claim.
Speaking with an attorney to navigate the available options may be helpful. If you have received a finding of MMI and have questions as to what step to take next, please contact Herdman Yeager, LLC for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information on legal issues and is not a substitute for legal advice. Each individual claim is unique. To seek legal guidance, you should contact an attorney.