What Is Maximum Medical Improvement and How Does It Affect My Workers’ Compensation Case?

Mar 23, 2023 | Workers' Compensation

Geoff McDonald & Associates: Ready To Help You Fight for Maximum Compensation

If you got hurt in a workplace accident, you might have heard the term “maximum medical improvement.” Workers’ compensation claims involve many complex legalities and factors that can impact your benefits, and understanding such terms can strengthen your claim. So, what is Virginia’s maximum medical improvement, and how does it affect your case?

Continue reading below to learn everything you need to know about maximum medical improvement to navigate the process with your best financial interests in mind. 

What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?

Workers’ compensation claims fall into a few different categories, depending on their severity. First, you must consider whether or not the injury is permanent or temporary. In some cases, like a simple broken ankle, this may be obvious. With more complex injuries involving weeks, months, or years of treatments, the patient’s outcome isn’t so clear upfront. 

So, what is Virginia’s maximum medical improvement? Maximum medical improvement (MMI) refers to the point at which your doctor determines you’ve recovered from your injury as much as you will ever be able to. MMI is the official point where temporary disabilities are considered entirely healed or permanent impairments. If you reach MMI and are still not fully recovered, you may be eligible to continue seeking workers’ comp benefits for your permanent disability.

Applying for Workers’ Comp Permanent Disability

After undergoing a particular medical examination and receiving an official MMI diagnosis, you may apply for permanent disability benefits. Your doctor’s examination will directly impact the type of benefits you receive. The two main types of permanent disability categories include partial and total. 

Permanent Partial vs. Total Disabilities

Permanent partial and total disabilities refer to the extent of your injuries. The categories are as follows:

  • Partial: You have a permanent disability, though you can still partially work a light job or part-time position. 
  • Total: You have a permanent disability that prevents you from ever being able to work a job again. Permanent total disabilities typically offer larger benefits. 

Your doctor will consider your mobility, function, restrictions, treatment requirements, and line of work when assessing the above categories. 

What To Do If You Reach an Improvement Plateau

If you reach an improvement plateau in your recovery journey with an MMI diagnosis, you must follow a few critical steps to maintain your claim and seek maximum financial recovery:

  • Deny settlements: After receiving an MMI diagnosis, many organizations may quickly offer a settlement amount to avoid long-term payments. While the settlement may seem generous initially, it typically won’t cover your long-term loss of work and medical requirements. You should consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offers. 
  • Consider second opinions: Your doctor’s evaluation is one of the biggest determining factors in your compensation. If you feel they understated your disabilities or wrongly estimated your ability to work again, you may need a second opinion from an additional doctor. You must hire an attorney to go through this process.  
  • Hire an attorney: Receiving a permanent disability diagnosis is stressful enough without worrying about finances, settlements, and other legal issues. A workers’ comp attorney can handle your complex legalities and help you seek maximum compensation for your future funds. 

Geoff McDonald & Associates: Ready To Help You Fight for Maximum Compensation

At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we want to help victims seek the funds needed to recover physically and financially from workplace accidents. 

It’s time to seek professional legal support for your claim. Call Geoff McDonald & Associates in  Virginia, today at (804) 888-8888 to consult with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys about your case. We have offices in Richmond and Virginia Beach.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    Is a Workplace Injury Outside Normal Duties Covered?

    You may know that you can seek worker’s compensation for an accident that happens at work. But what if you were acting outside of your normal job duties when the accident occurred? Is it still covered? The answer depends on the accident circumstances and whether...

    What If My Workplace Injury Was My Coworker’s Fault?

    If you experienced an injury while completing your job duties, you have a right to seek workers’ compensation to cover your medical care and lost wages. But what happens if your coworker was responsible for your accident?  A Virginia workplace injury lawyer can...

    Are Any Employers Exempt From Workers’ Compensation in Virginia?

    Virginia law requires the majority of employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, which is responsible for compensating ill or injured workers. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you suffered a work-related injury, you’ll need to find out whether you...

    How Long Can You Draw Workers’ Compensation in Virginia?

    If you suffered an injury during a workplace accident, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical bills and lost wages. Compensation for future disabilities is complex and involves many factors. So, how long can you draw workers’...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald