If you were injured in an accident, you may have heard your doctor and lawyer discussing “maximum medical improvement” or MMI. But what is this? And how can it affect your personal injury claim? An experienced personal injury lawyer from Caruso Law Offices can explain and guide you throughout the legal process, addressing issues as they arise.
Maximum Medical Improvement Defined
MMI refers to a person’s recovery after an injury. It is the point when their medical condition has stabilized. They are not expecting to recover anymore, even if they receive additional medical care. In New Mexico workers’ compensation cases, once an injured worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), there is no lasting improvement or further recovery that is reasonably anticipated based on a reasonable medical probability.
Reaching MMI can help determine the extent of your damages or benefits you can receive as part of your personal injury case or workers’ compensation case. It provides a better idea of what your life will be like after an injury.
Determining MMI
Only qualified medical professionals can determine when a person has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) in New Mexico. This might be your treating physician, your workers’ compensation doctor, or other qualified medical professional. To determine MMI, the doctor evaluates the following information:
- The full extent of your injuries
- The effectiveness of the medical treatment you have received
- Your prognosis
- Possible long-term effects of your injury
Your doctor establishes a treatment plan and considers your need for surgery, continued therapy, or other medical care. Your doctor might prepare a report that states you have reached MMI and discusses information such as:
- Which future medical treatments you will need
- The cost of future medical care
- Loss of earning power
- The extent of your pain and suffering
How Maximum Medical Improvement Affects Personal Injury Claims
MMI is a critical milestone in personal injury claims. Your personal injury lawyer may recommend that you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before attempting to settle your claim. This is because when you have reached MMI, your lawyer can more accurately estimate the value of your damages.
They can consult with your medical team to determine which medical procedures you are likely to need in the future and estimate their associated costs. They can also better assess the impact your injuries will likely have on your ability to work.
Why It’s Crucial to Wait for MMI Before Settling Your Case
Once you settle your personal injury case, you cannot later return to the negotiating table to demand more money. This is because you sign a waiver, releasing the insurance company and the defendant from any further legal action in exchange for the amount of your settlement.
This is why it’s important to wait until you reach MMI, rather than settling your case too early. If you settle too early, you may incur additional medical expenses or discover new impairments for which you cannot seek compensation.
Contact Caruso Law Offices to Learn More About MMI
If you need additional information about MMI, the experienced legal team at Caruso Law Offices can help. Call us at (505) 883-5000 or fill out our online contact form to arrange a free consultation.