Maximum Medical Improvement in Georgia
The point at which an injured person has recovered to the fullest extent possible is known as
maximum medical improvement in Georgia. Here, we cover what happens when you
reach this point in a workers’ compensation case.
Medical Treatment & Maximum Medical Improvement In Georgia
When you have suffered a work injury in Georgia, your primary concern should be to recover as fully as possible. Your medical expenses and the ability to work will cause enough suffering and could be a source of stress. That is why the Georgia workers’ compensation benefits are very comprehensive.
It is essential to know that under Georgia law, the workers’ compensation benefits will not be cut off if they reach the point of maximum medical improvement. Once a person reaches the MMI, they are assigned a permanent partial disability rating.
When a worker who is receiving workers’ compensation benefits reaches maximum medical improvement, their condition is assessed, and a degree of permanent or partial impairment is determined. This degree will impact the number of benefits the worker can receive.
There are four main categories of worker’s compensation benefits, and they are as follows:
#1. Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) only applies to an injured worker that can return to easy work or a slightly light duty where they used to work before the accident happens. They will make less money than before, so the benefits should cover the financial gap. The coverage is two-thirds of the difference between your salaries. In Georgia, the most you can get for a week is $383.
#2. Temporary Total Disability Benefits
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are granted if a person cannot work for more than seven days. The benefits will cover two-thirds of your weekly salary before the workplace accident happened, with a maximum of $575 a week. Not all injuries will recover, and in these cases, you may be able to switch to a permanent disability worker’s compensation.
#3. Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If an injured worker has permanent damage but can still work, the state of Georgia grants benefits known as permanent partial disability benefits (PPD). However, these are divided into two criteria: scheduled or unscheduled. Scheduled injuries refer to damage to fingers, feet, legs, hands, or vision and hearing. You will receive weekly indemnity benefits of two-thirds the difference of your weekly salaries before and after the work-related injury happened. The unscheduled injuries include damage to your brain, spinal column, or other organs. You can receive compensation for a maximum of 300 weeks, depending on how the injured worker feels.
#4. Permanent Total Disability Benefits
The permanent total disability benefits are calculated based on the impairment rating and are offered only if a professional declares that your medical treatment is over. To put it simply, you will receive the benefits when there is nothing to be done to correct your condition. The benefits are granted in severe conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, paralysis, or blindness.
What Is Maximum Medical Improvement?
A simple definition of maximum medical improvement (MMI) is when your doctor decides that your medical condition will not further improve with additional treatment. You have reached a point where no medical treatment will help you heal from your medical issues.
Preferably, an MMI should mean that you are fully recovered. While some people can reach an MMI when they have recovered, other injured workers will still suffer from their injuries or can be left with long-term or permanent disabilities.
Who Determines Maximum Medical Improvement?
Suppose your doctor determines that you are healthy and you have had a full recovery from your medical condition. In that case, they may release you to unrestricted work, and the insurance company may suspend the worker’s income benefits. If you disagree with the doctor’s decision, you might be able to switch the doctor and seek a second opinion.
On the other hand, you might reach MMI at a certain point, but your recovery is not yet to be determined. Only an authorized treating physician can determine a disability rating.
OBTAINING
FULL COMPENSATION
We go beyond calculating damages to ensure you receive all rightful compensation, including for intangible losses like pain and suffering. Many are unaware of their full rights, and we help maximize your claims.
(404) 373-1800
Maximum Medical Improvement Form
To submit a workers compensation claim, ask for a free initial consultation at (866) 373-1800. Seeking a worker’s compensation lawyer will help you understand your rights and receive workers’ comp benefits and the medical benefits you are entitled to.
Get legal advice as soon as possible! Our law firm will offer a free case review and will help you determine what to do in the near future, including submitting any necessary maximum medical improvement forms.
Hiring The Orlando Firm can provide several benefits:
ACCURATELY ACCOUNTING
FOR DAMAGES
We ensure all damages, including bodily injuries, current and future medical expenses, and property damage, are thoroughly accounted for, preventing unnecessary additional costs due to someone else’s negligence.
STANDING FOR
YOU IN COURT
Representing yourself in court can be risky. We recommend professional legal representation for car accident cases to secure the best outcomes.
OBTAINING FULL
COMPENSATION
We go beyond calculating damages to ensure you receive all rightful compensation, including for intangible losses like pain and suffering. Many are unaware of their full rights, and we help maximize your claims.
PROVIDING COMPETENT
LEGAL ADVICE
Our professional legal advice helps avoid costly mistakes such as missing filing deadlines, ensuring you receive potential compensation.
MMI Rating Chart
As mentioned above, if a person reaches maximum medical improvement, they will be assigned a permanent partial disability rating. In Georgia, an injured worker will get a different weekly compensation from the insurance companies for every body part. The MMI rating chart looks like this:
- Upper extremity – 225 weeks;
- Hand – 160 weeks;
- Thumb – 60 weeks;
- Index finger – 40 weeks;
- Ring finger – 30 weeks;
- Middle finger – 35 weeks;
- Lower extremity – 225 weeks;
- Foot – 135 weeks;
- Loss of hearing/one ear – 75 weeks;
- Loss of vision – 150 weeks;
- Whole-body (neck, back, or multiple body parts at once) – 300 weeks.
Maximum Medical Improvement Letter
Reaching maximum medical improvement but still struggling with the negative effects of an injury can be really frustrating. If you are still in severe pain and if you think the workers’ compensation doctor has not exhausted all the attempts in getting you better, do not accept the MMI letter, but look for legal help.
If you have a case, we, the Orlando Firm, will help you pursue the compensations and the reasonable treatment that you need to move on from a life-altering injury. However, it is essential to know that there is no way to accurately estimate the amount of money of your workers’ compensation claims until the full extent of your medical conditions is known.
Understanding Workers Compensation Benefits If Reached Maximum Medical Improvement
In many cases, once you reach maximum medical improvement, it may be time to settle the case. And this is because the medical treatment has either wound down or plateaued. Discuss the medical treatment at any time with your lawyer, as it might be necessary to determine when is the right time to resolve a workers compensation claim.
What Happens After Maximum Medical Improvement?
As mentioned above, if you reached MMI, you can apply for a Permanent Partial Disability award. A doctor will examine you, assess your condition, and determine a disability rating. Some workers can ask for an increase in the disability impairment rating, but they’ll be required to take another exam.
You could also be assigned permanent work restrictions or unrestricted work, which would make the insurance company suspend their workers’ comp income benefits. Speak to an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney or workers’ compensation lawyer at (866) 373-1800 for a free consultation. Protect your rights and take action now!
Our Proven Process for Winning Medical Cases
Step 1
Initial Consultation
& Case Review
We begin by reviewing your case and gathering key information. This includes collecting records related to property damage, medical expenses, and insurance coverage. This allows us to fully assess the extent of your injuries and understand the impact on your life.
Step 2
Evidence Collection
& Investigation
Next, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. We gather critical evidence, including dash-cam footage, security videos, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports, to build a strong case. This process helps us prove fault, whether it involves distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or other traffic violations.
Step 3
Dealing with
Insurance Companies
We handle all communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to protect you from adjusters who may attempt to undervalue your claim. Our experienced team knows their tactics and ensures they don’t compel you into accepting a low settlement offer that doesn’t cover your losses.
Step 4
Settlement
Negotiations
Once the evidence is gathered and reviewed, we engage in aggressive settlement negotiations. Our goal is to secure compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We fight to ensure you receive fair compensation, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Step 5
Trial-Ready
Advocacy
Next, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. We gather critical evidence, including dash-cam footage, security videos, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports, to build a strong case. This process helps us prove fault, whether it involves distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or other traffic violations.
Step 6
Continuous
Client Support
Throughout the entire process, we provide ongoing support and communication, keeping you informed at every stage. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Atlanta Medical Attorneys Can Help
Your Atlanta medical attorney will try to prove the opposing party’s negligent behavior. Throughout this process, your lawyer may investigate if the helmet was maintained properly and review the company’s logbooks to make sure federal and Georgia state helmet laws were followed.
Your legal representative may also review the drivers’ credentials.
INJURED? DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS.
GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE.
Retain the best medical lawyers in Atlanta to ensure maximum compensation.
Our attorneys use their extensive experience to represent individuals suffering catastrophic injuries from careless drivers.
The Experience To Get Results
With over 650+ 5 stars Reviews to Prove It!
WHATS THE LATEST?
CALL A MEDICAL ATTORNEY, ATLANTA
Please call us for a free consultation at 404-373-1800 or toll-free at 1-866-373-1800. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of your medical case, we promise to provide you with legal representation aimed at helping you through a difficult and painful time of your life. We will do our best to make sure that you make the recovery to which you are entitled. Keep in mind that there may be time limits on filing your claim, so it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as you are able.
Always remember, if we don’t win your case, you pay us nothing. Contact The ORLANDO Firm today to determine if you have a viable case.
CONTACT US
Thank you for your interest in The ORLANDO Firm.
Please get in touch with us with any questions or concerns that you may have. Our attorneys and staff are available 24/7 by phone or chat for your convenience.