Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is a medical term that refers to the point in time when an injured worker’s condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further with additional medical treatment.
Injured at work and hearing the term “MMI” thrown around? You’re not alone. “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI) is one of the most misunderstood stages in a workers’ compensation or personal injury case — but it’s also one of the most important.
At Chaikin Trial Group, we help New Yorkers navigate this stage every day — ensuring insurance companies don’t cut off treatment or minimize your recovery too soon.
What’s in This Guide
- Understanding Maximum Medical Improvement
- How MMI Is Determined
- What to Expect After You Reach MMI
- Why MMI Can Be a Turning Point
- MMI in New York Workers’ Comp Cases
- Common Questions About MMI
- How a Lawyer Can Protect You During the MMI Process
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Understanding Maximum Medical Improvement
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) means you’ve recovered from your injuries as much as a doctor believes you medically can. In other words, your condition has stabilized — even if you still have symptoms or limitations.
MMI meaning: once you reach this point, your doctor doesn’t expect your condition to significantly improve with further treatment.
In New York, the Workers’ Compensation Board often assumes an injured worker reaches MMI about 130 weeks (2.5 years) after the accident, but that’s not always accurate. Many people are labeled “at MMI” too early — especially when insurers want to limit benefits.
How MMI is Determined
Your treating physician evaluates your healing progress, ongoing pain, and ability to work. Once they decide your condition has plateaued, they submit a medical report to the insurance company.
If the insurer disagrees, they can schedule an Independent Medical Examination (IME) — usually with a doctor of their choosing. This IME can determine:
- Whether you’ve reached MMI
- What percentage of impairment you have (for example, 30%, 60%)
- Whether you can return to work or qualify for permanent disability
Important: IMEs aren’t always neutral. Many injured workers report biased evaluations designed to favor insurers. That’s why having your own attorney review your records — or even challenge the IME — can make all the difference.
What to Expect After You Reach MMI
Reaching MMI changes how your workers’ comp claim moves forward — and how your benefits are paid.
- You may be evaluated for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) or Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) award.
- Your compensation depends on which body parts were injured and your impairment percentage.
- For example, workers with a 60% impairment rating can qualify for significant payout weeks based on the affected body part (like arm, leg, or hand).
Once MMI is declared:
- Medical coverage usually continues only for maintenance or pain management.
- Temporary wage benefits may stop and transition into permanent ones.
- Settlement discussions often begin soon after — typically within a few months of MMI.
Why MMI Can Be a Turning Point
MMI can be good if it means your condition is stable and you’re ready for the next legal or financial step in your case.
But it can be bad if your injuries are still serious and the insurance company tries to use your MMI status to end treatment prematurely.
Tip: Never assume “MMI” means you’ve fully recovered. It only means doctors think you’ve recovered as much as expected — and there may still be room to challenge that finding.
MMI in New York Workers’ Comp Cases
In New York, the MMI workers comp meaning goes beyond just a medical milestone — it determines what benefits you’ll continue receiving and whether you qualify for additional compensation.
After MMI:
- Your wage benefits depend on your loss of wage-earning capacity.
- You may be entitled to Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) benefits for specific body parts or Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) if your impairment affects your ability to work long-term.
- If your injuries are catastrophic, you may qualify for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) — providing weekly benefits for life.
A 2024 report from the New York Workers’ Compensation Board found that nearly one in five MMI determinations are disputed — most often because the worker’s treating doctor disagrees with the insurer’s IME.
That’s why it’s critical to have an advocate to ensure your rating — and your payout — reflect your real limitations.
Common Questions About MMI
How long after MMI is settlement?
Settlements usually occur within a few months after MMI, depending on medical documentation and negotiations.
How much payout do you get with a 60% impairment?
It depends on the body part. For instance, a 60% impairment to an arm (312 weeks) could equal 187 weeks of pay at two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
What happens when the judge determines the MMI percentage rating?
The judge reviews your medical evidence and assigns a permanent impairment percentage, which directly affects your payout.
What not to say in an MMI or IME?
Avoid exaggerating or downplaying symptoms. Be honest, consistent, and factual — inconsistencies can harm your credibility.
What happens if you disagree with MMI?
You or your lawyer can request a hearing before an administrative law judge to challenge the finding. If your condition later worsens, your MMI can be re-evaluated and your benefits adjusted.
How a Lawyer Can Protect You During the MMI Process
At Chaikin Trial Group, we’ve seen insurance companies rush to declare clients “fully recovered” long before they’re ready.
Our attorneys:
- Review all IME reports for errors or bias
- Ensure your treating doctor’s opinion carries full legal weight
- Challenge unfair MMI findings through hearings or appeals
- Calculate your true maximum medical improvement payout
- Negotiate settlements that reflect your long-term care needs
Whether you’re in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, or Manhattan, our team stands up for injured workers every step of the way. Contact us today.
