The first time most employee's are confronted with the term MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) is when they go to their mailbox and find a letter attached to a Notice of Intent to Discontinue Benefits on the basis the employee has reached MMI. Most employee's think this can't possibly be correct, after all they still continue to treat with their doctor and they haven't fully recovered from their injury.
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is defined in Minnesota Statutes §176.011, Subd. 25. It is the date after which no further significant recovery from or lasting improvement to a personal injury can be reasonably anticipated, regardless of subjective complaints. After the date of MMI has been validly determined, the insurer does not need to request any further determinations of MMI unless the employee becomes medically unable to continue working (see Minnesota Statutes §176.101, Subd. 1(e)(2)). For purposes of commencement or recommencement of temporary total disability benefits only, a new period of maximum medical improvement begins when the employee becomes medically unable to continue working due to the injury.
MMI determinations are important because the employee's entitlement to future benefits can cease 90 days after the insurer serves a written report of MMI. If your benefits have been discontinued based upon MMI or any other reason, I strongly urge you to contact an experienced workers compensation attorney. When your benefits are in jeopardy, don't rely on the attorney who dabbles in work comp and can handle your will, divorce or even bankruptcy. Minnesota Disability attorney Tom Atkinson ONLY represents injured and disabled employees! Contact him today at 651-324-9514 or tom@mndisability.com
