As you near the end of your treatment plan for your Colorado workers compensation claim, you will likely begin to hear the phrase maximum medical improvement, or MMI. Many people incorrectly assume that being signed off as MMI only happens when you are completely recovered from your Colorado workplace injury. In reality, you reach maximum medical improvement when you have reached the point of your treatment that the doctor feels is the best you are likely to recover. When your condition looks as if it will not significantly approve, your doctor will notify your workers compensation adjuster that you have reached MMI.
What Happens Next?
Unfortunately, many people are a long way from feeling great when they hit this important milestone in their Colorado workers compensation case. You will see a doctor whose job it is to determine the level of your impairment. A rating is given that puts a value to the percentage of loss you have sustained as a result of the original injury. If your rating is severe enough, you may qualify for permanent disability at this time. Once your insurance provider knows the impairment rating, they will issue a Final Admission of Liability.
What if I Disagree With the MMI?
If you disagree with the doctor’s determination that you have reached your maximum medical improvement, you will have the ability to dispute the determination. It is best to enlist the help of an experienced Colorado workers compensation attorney at this point, as contesting the maximum medical improvement determination can often be challenging to overcome. An application is required, and if granted you will have the opportunity to see an independent doctor for an evaluation.
Related posts:
- Can a Colorado Workers Compensation Attorney Get You Benefits for Worsened Injuries?
- Back to Basics: What to Do When Injured on the Job?
- Back to Basics: What Your Employer is Required to Do After a Workplace Injury
- Colorado Worker’s Compensation Attorney: Getting Medical Expenses Taken Care Of
- Medical Marijuana Battles Come to Workers’ Comp
