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.
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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.
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.
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!
The Orlando Firm are your personal injury attorneys with the experience to win.