Experiencing an accident at work can be a challenging ordeal. You find yourself hospitalized, with your company covering your initial treatment and medical expenses as you focus on recovering. However, at some point, you receive the unsettling news that your company can no longer support your medical treatment.
Despite still being in the process of recovery and unable to return to work anytime soon, you face the daunting question of how to manage your medical bills. Who will take responsibility for them? This is the juncture where contacting Work Injury Rights becomes crucial, especially when dealing with a Cape Coral maximum medical improvement case.
Maximum medical improvement signifies a stage where your medical condition has reached its peak and cannot improve further. This could indicate either full recovery from the injury or a scenario where the injury will persist until your passing.
Once you have exhausted your company’s workers’ compensation benefits, a physician evaluates your recovery status. Conducting various tests on the injured area, the doctor assesses whether you have incurred a permanent or partial impairment. The severity of your injury at this assessment stage is pivotal, guiding us in determining the appropriate course of action. Unfortunately, some companies resort to pressuring employees to forfeit their workers’ compensation benefits under the threat of dismissal.
Amidst these challenges, you can find solace in knowing that Work Injury Rights stands by your side. Contact our workers’ compensation lawyers in Cape Coral at 954-388-8616 to share your story. We are committed to assisting you in fighting against your employer and securing the justice you deserve.
What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Every worker expects fair compensation from their employer in the event of a workplace injury, regardless of the duration of their recovery. However, the concept of maximum medical improvement (MMI) often complicates matters. Employers may prioritize cost-saving measures over ensuring adequate treatment for injured employees. They may inundate you with paperwork and medical tests to assert that further treatment is unnecessary.
But there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Instead, reach out to us. Share your story, and we’ll take care of the paperwork on your behalf. We’ll shield you from intimidation tactics, ensuring that your employer’s legal notices don’t intimidate you. Remember, you sustained the injury while carrying out your employer’s tasks. If your recovery is impeded, it’s their responsibility to cover the costs, regardless of how long it takes.
Consider a scenario where your injury results in leg amputation. After months of recovery, the doctor clears you as fit. However, you’re now missing a limb—a life-altering reality. No one enters the world expecting to rely on crutches. If you’re forced to use them due to a work-related injury, your employer should compensate for your loss.
Sure, you may be able to return to work. But will you possess the same capabilities as before? Will you perform on par with your colleagues? You might have to switch departments within the same company to accommodate your new circumstances. These factors hold significance, and we ensure that the judge hears and considers these arguments before rendering a decision.
Who Determines When the Employee Has Achieved Cape Coral Maximum Medical Improvement?
The assessment of Cape Coral Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) involves a series of evaluations conducted by medical professionals. Initially, a doctor conducts various tests to determine if you have reached the stage of maximum medical improvement. Additionally, the workers’ compensation insurance company may request that you undergo a medical examination to validate your MMI status. The doctor is responsible for providing comprehensive reports to the relevant parties, including the workers’ compensation insurance company, the patient, and the employer.
Furthermore, the doctor must offer their professional opinion on your condition based on the test results. If the doctor concludes that you have fully recovered, your employer may choose to terminate your workers’ compensation benefits.
However, if there is a discrepancy between the doctor’s assessment and that of your treating physician, the workers’ compensation insurance company may escalate the matter to the court. A judge will review the case and decide whether to affirm the maximum medical improvement status or delay it until you achieve full recovery. Our team can assist you in presenting a strong case by compiling multiple pieces of evidence demonstrating your inability to return to work in the near future.
Does Medical Treatment Continue After a Cape Coral MMI Diagnosis?
Yes, medical treatment may indeed continue after receiving a Cape Coral Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) diagnosis, albeit for a limited period. You are entitled to a five-year window to continue receiving benefits from the date of your injury. For instance, if you recover from your injury within eight months but your doctor recommends ongoing medical assistance for a few additional years, you have the option to utilize the company’s workers’ compensation fund for up to five years.
However, it’s worth noting that some workers’ compensation insurance companies may resist continuing compensation after an MMI diagnosis. If you find yourself in this situation, there’s no need to navigate it alone. Reach out to us, and we’ll handle the matter on your behalf. You can then focus on your recovery while we address the workers’ compensation insurance company, including taking legal action if necessary.
What Happens if You Cannot Return to Work and Perform at the Same Level After Your Cape Coral MMI Diagnosis?
In the event that you are unable to return to work or perform at the same level following a Cape Coral Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) diagnosis, the implications under the law are significant. While the example of leg amputation highlights one scenario, there are various circumstances where individuals may face challenges in resuming their previous level of employment.
Under Cape Coral’s Maximum Medical Improvement law, individuals in such situations are eligible for supplemental job displacement benefits. These benefits typically come in the form of vouchers, which may range from $2 to $2000. This assistance aims to support individuals in transitioning to new employment opportunities or acquiring additional skills.
Moreover, if you become partially disabled, your employer is obligated to increase your weekly payment by at least 15%. Additionally, they must significantly raise your wage loss amount to adequately compensate for ongoing treatment expenses and provide sufficient support to meet the needs of your family. These measures are designed to ensure that individuals facing challenges in returning to work due to their medical condition receive the necessary financial support and assistance to sustain themselves and their families.
Allow Us to Assist You with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim After Reaching Cape Coral Maximum Medical Improvement
Here at Work Injury Rights, we prioritize your opportunity to fully express your situation. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in the laws surrounding Cape Coral’s maximum medical improvement cases and proficient in navigating such complexities. Give us a call at 954-388-8616 to schedule a consultation and enhance your prospects of prevailing against your employer.
