Maximum Medical Improvement

Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is a term used to establish when an injured person has recovered from their injuries to the fullest extent they will be able to, based on a doctor’s determination. It is most often applied to workers’ compensation claims, but is also relevant to other personal injury claims.

What MMI means for you depends on your injuries and life circumstances. In many cases, and in the best possible scenario, it means that you can return to normal health and functionality. Broken bones or some soft tissue injuries can generally heal without any permanent effects, depending on the age of the person injured. Other injuries, such as a brain injury that causes memory problems or a disc injury that causes occasional back pain, will occasionally limit or distress the injury party. Still others, such as a loss of limb or an injury that causes paralysis, will affect you for every moment of the rest of your life. MMI means that you have stabilized and healed to the extent that you will not improve anymore.

Maximum Medical Improvement in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Missouri Revised Statute §287.020 defines “maximum medical improvement” as: the point at which the injured employee’s medical condition has stabilized and can no longer reasonably improve with additional medical care, as determined within a reasonable degree of medical certainty

Under Missouri Workers’ Compensation laws, employers must provide workers who were injured on the job with paid medical care, and temporary total or partial disability benefits. However, Missouri Revised Statute §287.149 stipulates that those benefits must only be paid up until the point that the employee reaches MMI. After that, if the injured worker cannot return to work, they move to permanent disability benefits and no longer receive medical care paid for by their employers.

Typically, in Missouri workers’ compensation claims, the employer is allowed to choose the physician who examines you. However, because establishing MMI is so important, Missouri Revised Statute §287.390 allows claimants a 12-month period to get a second opinion from a doctor of their choosing.

Maximum Medical Improvement in Other Personal Injury Claims

While MMI is not a technical term in other personal injury claims, the concept is still relevant in two ways:

1. If a full recovery is likely, most personal injury attorneys will wait to send a settlement demand letter until you have received the full medical treatment you need. Doing so ensures you will not have any surprise medical bills down the road that should have been included in your settlement.
2. If you reach MMI and are still disabled, your attorney will need to calculate your future medical expenses and lost earning capacity in order to get you the full compensation you deserve.

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What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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