Other than the date a worker was injured, the next most important is the date that the Doctor placed the worker at “Maximum Medical Improvement” also called MMI. When a worker is placed at MMI, certain benefits can shut off, and other begin, but most worrisome, it marks the time that the insurance company will try to close the workers’ compensation case. For that reason it is best to have a lawyer before you are placed at Maximum Medical Improvement.
When the Doctor places you at Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) he or she is NOT saying that you are “cured.” MMI means ONLY that there are no other treatment options (rest, therapy, injections, surgery) that will get you BETTER. Although you may get better over time – the law says that the passage of time alone is not medical care.
Often the most frustrating part of any injury is realizing that you may never get better or pain free. Often times, particularly with injuries as serious as our clients have, there are no cures that will completely restore the worker back to 100 percent. If an injured worker has ongoing pain and problems the Doctor will and should continue to see you for maintenance medical care – care that will not get you better but help you deal with your pain.
When our clients are placed at Maximum Medical Improvement we get them a second medical opinion in order to determine that no stone went unturned to improve their condition as well as to get medical care for body parts that the company doctor either ignored or refused to provide medical treatment.
Medical care is the most important benefit for injured workers, so it is important that you have an attorney who will help you fight for medical care. Call us at 303-780-7329 or click HERE for a free consultation to see how we can help you.