Maximum Medical Improvement in Florida Workers’ Compensation Cases

If you were hurt at work and required medical care, you’ve probably seen the initials MMI, which stand for maximum medical improvement. Maximum Medical Improvement in Florida workers’ compensation cases is a determination that impacts your rights to benefits.

At Colling Gilbert Wright, our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you with every aspect of your injury case. Other lawyers and professionals refer their clients to us when they have issues with the workers’ compensation system, because they know they can rely on our competence and compassion.

What Does It Mean to Reach MMI?

When you sustain a work-related injury, in most cases, the workers’ compensation doctor eventually clears you to return to work. However, sometimes an injury causes permanent limitations or symptoms. It is always wise to retain a Florida attorney to protect your rights when you suffer a serious injury or illness at work.

According to Florida Statutes § 440.02 (12), you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI) when your doctor concludes that your condition is stable but further medical treatment won’t lead to improvements. They will complete a Medical Treatment/Status Report Form stating that you have reached MMI and send it to your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer. 

An MMI Declaration Impacts Your Benefits

When your healthcare provider determines that you have reached MMI, you will lose your temporary disability benefits. If you have a permanent injury, you might get permanent, partial disability benefits, but you’ll receive less than your temporary disability payments, and they will end after a certain number of weeks.

You can object to the doctor’s declaration that you have reached MMI. If your Florida workers’ compensation doctor has decided you have reached MMI, and you disagree, contact one of our attorneys right away.

Challenging the MMI Determination 

The Workers’ Compensation law allows you to change physicians one time during your treatment for a specific injury. Your employer’s insurer selects the new doctor, which can make this option less attractive. Your Florida attorney might recommend a second opinion from your family doctor or another healthcare professional not affiliated with the workers’ compensation program, even though you would have to pay for the examination.

 If the second opinion differs from your original treating provider’s opinion, you can file a petition with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC) requesting benefits. Filing this request can lead to a formal conference where the parties negotiate a settlement or have a hearing with an OJCC judge. It can lead to a chance to heal further while still collecting temporary disability benefits.

Consult Our Florida Attorneys If You Have an MMI Determination

An MMI determination can have a significant impact on your working life and your finances. Work with a lawyer at The Florida Firm to ensure your MMI determination is warranted, and you get all the benefits you’ve earned.