Dec 3, 2024
What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in Georgia?
Nate Hansford
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) refers to the point at which a treating physician determines that an injured worker has recovered as much as possible from their injury. At MMI, the employee’s condition is not expected to improve further, even with continued medical treatment. This doesn’t necessarily mean the worker is fully healed or free from pain, but rather that their condition has stabilized and no significant further improvement is anticipated.
Understanding MMI in Georgia is important because it plays a vital role in determining the future course of your workers’ compensation benefits, including the types of benefits you may continue to receive and whether you can return to work.
What Does MMI Mean in the Context of Georgia Workers’ Compensation?
In Georgia, once a doctor determines that you have reached MMI, this assessment has important implications for your workers’ compensation claim. MMI can lead to changes in your benefits and influence whether you qualify for permanent disability payments or return to work with limitations.
TTD or TPD Benefits May Cease
If you are receiving Temporary Total Disability or Temporary Partial Disability benefits, reaching MMI can affect whether you continue to receive payments. Once your doctor declares that you have reached MMI, your TTD or TPD benefits may stop, depending on whether you are still unable to work or are working at a reduced capacity. Depending on the nature of your work place injuries, your doctor may place restrictions on your activities, allowing you to return to work but with limited duties.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Rating
When you reach MMI, your doctor may assign a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating. This measures the extent of your permanent impairment as a percentage to determine whether you’re eligible for additional compensation. In Georgia, if you have a permanent impairment after reaching MMI, you may be entitled to PPD benefits. These benefits are calculated based on your impairment rating and can continue even after TTD or TPD benefits have ended.
Determination of Work Capacity
When you reach maximum medical improvement, your doctor will assess your ability to return to work, either fully or with restrictions. In some cases, you may be cleared to return to your previous job without any restrictions.
However, if your injury prevents you from performing your old duties, your doctor may recommend light-duty or modified work. If your employer cannot accommodate these restrictions, you may continue receiving benefits from your workers’ compensation claim.
How Does MMI Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Georgia?
Once you have reached maximum medical improvement, the benefits you receive may change. In Georgia, workers’ compensation laws are designed to support injured workers throughout the recovery process, but the transition to MMI can impact your benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
Shifting from Temporary to Permanent Benefits
Before reaching MMI, most workers receive TTD or TPD benefits based on their inability to work or work fully. Once you reach MMI, your doctor may evaluate your impairment to determine if you have a permanent disability. If so, you may become eligible for PPD benefits. The impairment rating assigned by your physician is a key factor in determining the duration and amount of PPD benefits you may be entitled to.
Impact on Vocational Rehabilitation
Reaching MMI does not automatically mean the end of your workers’ comp. If you are unable to return to your previous job due to physical limitations, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. This process helps injured workers find new employment or gain new skills that accommodate their restrictions post-injury.
How Our Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Will Assist You Through the MMI Process
At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can represent you at every stage of your claim. Here’s how we can help with the MMI process:
Pre-MMI Guidance and Support
Before you reach MMI, our team will work closely with you to ensure that you receive all the necessary medical care and benefits. We communicate with your medical providers and workers’ compensation insurance adjusters to ensure that your claim is handled smoothly and efficiently. Our attorneys will ensure you receive the full amount of TTD or TPD benefits are entitled to under workers’ compensation law.
Reviewing Your MMI Determination
Once your doctor declares that you have reached MMI, our attorneys will thoroughly review the medical evaluation and impairment rating. If we believe the MMI determination or impairment rating is incorrect or premature, we can request a second opinion from another medical provider or an independent medical examination to ensure that you receive a fair assessment of your condition.
Maximizing Your PPD Benefits
If you are entitled to Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits after reaching MMI, our team will work to ensure that your impairment rating accurately reflects the extent of your injury. We understand how important it is to receive the full amount of compensation, and we will advocate for the highest possible impairment rating to maximize your benefits.
Negotiating Settlements
After MMI, the workers’ compensation insurance company may attempt to settle your workers’ compensation case. At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys we have extensive experience negotiating favorable settlements for our clients. Our workers’ compensation attorney will ensure that any settlement offer you receive fully accounts for your medical bills for ongoing medical care, lost wages, and other compensable factors related to your injury.
Guidance on Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, our attorneys can guide you on how to obtain vocational rehabilitation services. We can introduce you to vocational experts and rehabilitation counselors to help you secure new employment that fits within your physical limitations and provides a sustainable income.
Appealing Unfavorable Decisions
If you encounter any disputes related to your MMI determination, impairment rating, or benefits, or face workers’ compensation denials, our legal team is prepared to file an appeal on your behalf. We will aggressively represent you before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and fight for the largest possible compensation you are entitled to. To schedule your free workers’ comp case evaluation with our attorneys at Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, call us at 770-922-3660 or contact us online.
