What is one effect of maximum medical improvement (MMI) in workers' compensation cases?

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is a critical milestone in the context of workers' compensation cases, as it indicates that an injured worker's medical condition has stabilized to the point where no further significant improvement in health is expected. At this stage, the focus often shifts from medical treatment to determining the worker’s long-term ability to perform work-related duties.

The potential transition to permanent disability benefits arises because MMI signifies that the individual's medical treatment has concluded, and their condition has plateaued. This allows for an evaluation of the extent of the disability, which directly informs the decision regarding permanent disability benefits. These benefits are designed to provide long-term financial support when the worker is unable to return to their previous job or if their earning capacity has been significantly reduced due to the injury.

While some may associate MMI with the end of benefits or a complete cessation of medical evaluations, the true focus is on assessing ongoing disability. The provision of retraining programs is also dependent on individual circumstances and not a guaranteed outcome of reaching MMI. Thus, transitioning to permanent disability benefits accurately reflects the implications of reaching MMI within the workers' compensation framework.