Not all car accident victims recover from their injuries. Some people are unfortunately rendered completely disabled following an accident even after surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, and other interventions. However, you may have legal recourse available to you. Here’s what you need to know about maximum medical improvement (MMI) and obtaining the fair financial restitution you deserve for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

What is Maximum Medical Improvement?

Maximum medical improvement (MMI) refers to the point at which your condition is expected to remain the same or improve no further, even with additional medical treatment. In other words, MMI is the endpoint of your medical treatment, after which you should not expect to see any significant improvement in your symptoms, function, or overall condition. It’s important to note that MMI is not a permanent cure or a guarantee that your condition will not worsen in the future. It simply means that your medical condition has stabilized to the best that it can be, based on the available medical evidence and treatment options.

Why Maximum Medical Improvement Matters in an Injury Claim

Maximum medical improvement is a crucial factor in determining the value of your injury claim, as it can impact the amount of compensation you may receive for your damages. Here’s why:

• Determining the extent of your injuries: MMI can help establish the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. This information is used to calculate the value of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Assessing future medical needs: If your condition is expected to worsen over time or if you will need ongoing medical treatment, this information can be factored into your injury claim to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover these expenses.
• Resolving your injury claim: MMI is also used to determine the point at which your injury claim can be resolved. Once you have reached MMI, you will no longer be eligible for additional medical treatment, and your claim can be settled based on the evidence available at that time.

Recovery Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Recovery can actually take a lot longer than people anticipate, leaving them surprised several weeks after the accident when they are still struggling to stay awake for long periods or complete basic tasks. It’s important to remember that healing isn’t a straight line and it’s normal to have lots of ups and downs.

Establishing When You’ve Reached Maximum Medical Improvement

It may be hard to pinpoint, but there will be some point during your healing journey where you “max out,” or recover as much as you ever will. Your body can only do so much and in the case of severe or critical injuries, you may be left with disabilities that affect your daily life.

If this happens, you will undergo a detailed assessment to determine if you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and if there are no more treatment options for you besides the management of pain and other uncomfortable or debilitating symptoms.

Financial Restitution For Lifelong Disabilities or Injuries

Obtaining ongoing financial compensation for permanent injuries caused by a car accident is an involved process that requires you to establish a number of things, including:

• That the other driver negligently caused the accident that injured you,
• That your injuries resulted in real damage to you and your family,
• That your doctors do not believe that your medical condition will improve anymore, and
• That you will continue to suffer real damages as a result of your medical improvement condition.

This can be difficult to do, especially when the other side is looking for any reason they can find to deny your claim.

What a Georgia Accident Attorney Can Do For You

Chalker Injury Law is an experienced and skilled Atlanta car accident lawyer who can help you navigate fighting for compensation after a devastating collision. Reach out to our office today to speak with Ronald F. Chalker or an associate attorney by calling (678) 319-9991 or toll-free at (800) 393-8595.