Legal Implications Of Maximum Medical Improvement
After suffering a Florida car accident injury, the road to recovery can be long and challenging. At some point in this process, your doctor may eventually determine that you have reached a point known as Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This is a critical juncture in your medical treatment and can have significant implications for your injury claim.
Whether you feel fully healed or not, a Miami personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you need for your future well-being. If you’ve been injured and are approaching or have reached MMI, don’t hesitate to consult with a legal professional who can guide you through the complexities of damage recovery.
Effects on Your Injury Claim
Maximum improvement means that, according to your doctor, you have reached a plateau in your recovery, and further significant improvement is unlikely, even with continued medical treatment. This determination can affect your case in the following ways.
- Assessing possibility of permanent harm. Once you reach MMI, your doctor will assess whether you have any permanent impairments as a result of your injury. This evaluation can impact the amount of compensation you may be entitled to, as permanent disabilities often lead to higher settlements or awards.
- Claim valuation. Insurance companies and legal representatives typically wait until you reach MMI before fully evaluating your claim so they can understand the full extent of your injuries and how they will affect you in the long term. Then, there can be an accurate assessment of your future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and other damages, which are critical factors in determining the value of your claim.
- End of treatment. For some, it is a concern when their doctor discharges them from active medical care, meaning they are no longer eligible for further treatments related to the injury unless there’s a sudden change in the condition. This is particularly true if the individual does not feel fully healed.
- Settlement pressures. Insurance companies often use MMI as an opportunity to push for a settlement. They may argue that since you’ve reached MMI, your treatment is complete, and they should settle the claim.
Moving through the legal implications of a recovery determination can be complex, and this is where an experienced personal injury lawyer becomes an important part of the process.
Lawyers Provide Continued Advocacy
If you believe you have a longer path for recovery, challenging the determination of MMI may be possible. A seasoned Miami personal injury lawyer has the contacts to work with medical experts to ensure that all aspects of your injury are thoroughly evaluated. This comprehensive assessment ensures that you receive fair compensation for both current and future damages. When appropriate, continued treatment could be accessed as well.
Should you challenge a doctor’s opinion that you have recovered? Share where you are today and where you hope to be in the future with the legal team at Spencer Morgan Law. Lawyers are available to fight for the financial support you need to heal. Call 305-423-3800 for a confidential assessment.