Define Maximum Medical Improvement
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is reached when an injured person “reaches the maximum benefit from medical treatment or is as far restored as the permanent character of his injuries will permit and/or the current limits of medical science will permit.” [20 Miss. Code. R. § 2-VI]. It is the point at which the person’s condition stabilizes and they are not expected to improve or recover further. However, that person may still need continued care for managing symptoms or maintaining their current state of health.
MMI is important in legal terms because it is a determining factor in the extent of compensation or benefits that an injured person may receive. Once a person’s health has plateaued and they have reached MMI, benefits typically stop. This is true in workers’ compensation cases, where temporary benefits are provided to an injured worker until MMI is reached. If they are no longer too injured to work, all benefits may stop. If they are still too impaired or disabled, they may need to switch to long-term disability benefits.
As a general rule, insurance companies typically stop paying for treatments if a doctor believes a condition can not improve. It is determined not only by medical knowledge, but if the person will be able to improve their ability to live their day-to-day life as well. When MMI is reached, the focus tends to shift from immediate medical coverage to seeking the potential compensation for whatever injury or illness occurred.
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What’s the Difference Between Permanent and Temporary Disability?
If you’ve been hurt at work and are now undergoing the workers’ compensation benefits forms, you’ll likely see words like temporary disability benefits and permanent disability benefits. Ultimately, your medical improvement will determine the types of workers’ compensation coverage you qualify for. However, these two categories can make a great deal of difference in your compensation for your work-related injury.
In general, your workers’ comp claim can get you financial compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, and future earnings loss in the case of long-term disability.
Before you begin the process, contact a workers’ comp attorney who can guide you to ensure you get the financial benefits you are legally entitled to.
Understanding the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Disability in Workers’ Comp Cases
The main difference between temporary and permanent disability is when the injured cannot work. […]
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Will My Employer Hold My Job While I Recover From a Work Injury?
Workers’ compensation benefits offer you a lot of things, like compensation for medical care, specific loss benefits, and payment of lost wages. But it doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a job to return to once your work-related injury or illness has recovered.
Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means you can be let go from your position at any time, so long as it is not for a discriminatory reason. That would include filing for workers’ comp.
However, if your employer needs your job position to be active, for example, if you’re a full-time employee for a construction firm and are in the middle of a deadlined build, they have a right to replace you. But, when you return, they must offer you a suitable job replacement.
The only way to avoid at-will employment laws is to have stipulations in your employee contract or belong to the union. […]
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Easton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When you are injured at work, medical expenses can quickly add up. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help workers with financial support in the event of a workplace injury due to an accident or repetitive stress (such as back injuries or carpal tunnel) or work-related illnesses from poor, unsanitary, or unsafe working conditions.
Whether your injury occurred in Easton, Allentown, or elsewhere in the Lehigh Valley, finding an experienced Easton workers’ compensation lawyer can help. The team of dedicated attorneys at Munley Law’s Lehigh Valley law office will work tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum workplace injury benefits.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, don’t panic. The experienced attorneys at Munley Law in Easton can help you appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you are entitled to. We have a strong track record of successfully handling denied claims and will use our expertise to advocate for you. […]
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Personal Injury Glossary Terms
This glossary provides a quick-access resource for looking up definitions of terms you will likely encounter while seeking compensation.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W
A
Accident Report — A detailed official record of an incident created on-site by an authority figure such as a police officer or hospital staff member.
Act of God — An unforeseen event caused by natural forces without human involvement that couldn’t have been prevented with reasonable care, […]
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Bethlehem Workers’ Compensation FAQs
What Happens When You’re Injured at Work in Bethlehem?
If you are an injured worker, you can receive help with your medical expenses and lost wages through PA workers’ compensation insurance. If you or a loved one suffers from a work-related injury, call the experienced Bethlehem workers’ compensation attorneys at Munley Law. We will help you file your paperwork, answer your questions, and fight for you to receive the workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to.
Call us today at our Lehigh Valley offices or complete our online form for your free case evaluation. An attorney with worker’s compensation law expertise will help guide you to your next steps.
What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program (also known as workman’s comp or workers comp) that provides workers with financial relief for job-related injuries and illnesses. Most employees in PA are covered by workers’ […]
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