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7+ Costly Workers' Comp Mistakes: What NOT to Do

Engaging in activities that contradict medical restrictions or impede recovery is inadvisable during a workers’ compensation claim. For instance, an individual with a back injury should refrain from heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or prolonged sitting if these actions are against doctor’s orders. Such actions can negatively impact the claim and the healing process.

Adhering to medical advice and avoiding actions that exacerbate the injury are crucial for several reasons. Primarily, it facilitates a faster and more complete recovery, enabling a return to work sooner. Secondly, it maintains the integrity of the workers’ compensation claim, demonstrating a commitment to recovery and compliance with medical recommendations. The history of workers’ compensation underscores the importance of protecting injured employees while ensuring responsible claims management.

7+ Facts: What is MMI in Workers' Comp? Get Answers!

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in the context of workers’ compensation signifies the point at which an injured employee’s medical condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further with additional medical treatment. This determination is typically made by a treating physician. For example, an individual who sustained a back injury may undergo surgery and physical therapy. If, after a period, the physician determines that no further treatment will result in significant improvement in the individual’s condition, the individual has reached MMI.

Reaching this stage is a crucial juncture in a workers’ compensation claim, serving as a foundation for several key decisions. It marks the end of temporary disability benefits and allows for the assessment of any permanent impairment. This assessment helps determine the extent of any permanent disability benefits the injured worker may be entitled to. Historically, this concept ensures a fair and consistent framework for compensating individuals for long-term effects of workplace injuries, providing closure and facilitating a return to work, where possible.