Maximum Medical Improvement in Workers’ Comp Claims
Trusted Counsel from Proven Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Glendale
Maximum medical improvement, or MMI, is an important concept for those receiving workers' compensation benefits. Simply put, MMI is the point at which doctors determine the patient has recovered as much as they can and do not foresee the patient getting any better. Usually this puts both the patient and the workers' compensation provider at a turning point in the claim—and conflicting interests may clash.
At the Law Offices of Wax & Wax, we understand the uncertainty and concern injured workers can have when it comes time to declare MMI. We always act to protect our clients’ long-term interests and well-being. Whether you need to release your employer from your workers' compensation claim or fight your workers' comp provider for the appropriate continuing benefits, our team can help aggressively and competently pursue your goals.
Learn more when you contact us at (818) 946-0608.
What Happens when You Reach MMI?
The reason why MMI can become such a contentious issue in a workers' compensation claim is because this is the point at which it can be determined that the workers' compensation provider should provide long-term benefits to the claimant. The provider may want to challenge the MMI determination in order to reduce or eliminate that possibility. If your workers' compensation doctor declares MMI, it is important to secure documentation of their findings. The workers' compensation provider will also be notified and either decide to further provide benefits or seek another opinion.
Continuing workers' compensation benefits after MMI can include:
- Percentage of (or total) permanent disability
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- A lump sum settlement
What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Benefits Stop after MMI
If your treating physician has declared MMI or if your employer has requested an Independent Medical Examination (IME) which resulted in a declaration of MMI, the workers’ compensation provider may attempt to terminate your benefits. In fact, in many cases, benefits cease on the very day MMI is declared. For many workers who have suffered an injury that has left them partially or wholly disabled, this can obviously lead to immense stress. After all, if you are unable to return to work at fully capacity or at all, how will you be able to continue medical treatment? How will you continue paying your bills and caring for yourself and your family?
If you have found yourself in this situation, we encourage you to reach out to our Glendale workers’ compensation attorneys as soon as possible. You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You may also be able to challenge the MMI decision and reinstate your workers’ compensation benefits. However, it is crucial that you work with a qualified attorney, as the laws and processes surrounding this issue are incredibly complex.
With over 100 years of collective experience and Board Certification in Workers’ Compensation Law, our attorneys are prepared to put their skill and expertise on your side.
Reach Out to Our Firm Today
If you have reached MMI and are experiencing resistance from your workers' compensation provider, the time to seek legal counsel is now. At the Law Offices of Wax & Wax, a dedicated Glendale workers' comp attorney is ready to ensure that you and your claim receive every consideration you deserve.
Contact our firm today to start exploring your legal options.
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"Going to speak to Mr. Wax was calming and informative."After working 4 decades at one grocery chain I became badly injured. Filing a WC claim was easy but after 4 major surgeries, one to remove 3 discs from the lumbar region, 1 disc removed from the cervical region, surgery to repair 3 torn rotator tendons, and have an electronic lumbar stimulator the bureacracy of WC insurance and the mounds of paperwork and approvals required for all tests and procedures would have stressed me out to a point of severe anxiety. Going to speak to Mr. Wax was calming and informative. His representatives who accompanied me to depositions and the courthouse was such a relief. I could not have done this myself. Thank you to the lawyers who helped me, Mireya who was my contact in the office for immediate feedback to my concerns. I highly recommend this firm for dealing with insurance companies and the SS office. Thank you- DV Hig
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"s soon as he took on my case, my stress was lifted and Mr. Wax dealt with all the communication and negotiations."I was dealing with my worker's compensation case on my own and I found it confusing and overbearing at times. I met with Alan Wax from The Law Offices of Wax & Wax and I was instantly put at ease. Mr. Wax has been in this business for a very long time; he knew exactly what doctors I needed to see and how to move forward to negotiate my case against the adjusters. He not only advised me for better offers on my case but he demanded I receive all of my doctor requests from the adjuster. As soon as he took on my case, my stress was lifted and Mr. Wax dealt with all the communication and negotiations. Thank you so much for everything! I would recommend the Law Offices of Wax & Wax to anyone and everyone!- Beverly O.
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"I appreciate, so much, your kindness, warmth, and legal advice."How generous of you to connect with me. You gave me your listening ear and your advice. Thank you for helping me take the next steps in moving forward with my disability questions and concerns. I appreciate, so much, your kindness, warmth, and legal advice.- Carol J.
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"Highly recommend Robert for your future cases."I worked with Robert Castillo on my case. He is knowledgeable and patient; Allows time and space for you to ask questions. The office staff is organized and responsive. They send regular correspondence to home and set up a phone appointment if necessary. I enjoyed working with this law firm. Reasonable price, friendly staff, and professional. Highly recommend Robert for your future cases.- Azin G.
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"The burden was off my shoulders!"I thank you for working tirelessly from beginning to end.- Christina
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"Robert is your go-to attorney!"WOW! I am not just saying this - but Robert is your go-to attorney. He has been so patient and professional during my entire process. I will refer him to everyone I know. He answered all of my questions and was very honest with me. He took time out of his busy schedule to explain the process to me from beginning to end. I feel confident that he has my best interest and look forward to working with him. Thank you Wax & Wax.- Christine P.
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"The attention to detail meant so much!"I wanted to thank you and your staff for helping me in a very difficult time.- Former Client
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"He won my workers' comp case!"They were always warm and professional.- Maureen
