Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point at which your treating physician determines that your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to significantly improve with further treatment. It does not mean you are fully recovered — it means your recovery has plateaued.

What Happens at MMI?

Once you reach MMI, your Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits typically stop or convert to Temporary Partial Disability if you can do light-duty work. Your doctor will then assign a permanent impairment rating — a percentage that quantifies how much permanent damage your injury caused. This rating becomes the basis for your permanent disability benefits.

Independent Medical Examinations (IME)

After your MMI declaration, the insurance company will almost certainly request an Independent Medical Examination (IME). Despite the name, IME doctors are chosen and paid by the insurer. Research consistently shows IME doctors tend to assign lower impairment ratings than treating physicians. You have the right to dispute an IME finding — and an experienced workers' comp attorney can help you do so effectively.

Your Settlement Options at MMI

At MMI, you generally have two options: accept a structured payout of your permanent disability benefits over time, or negotiate a lump-sum Compromise and Release settlement. A lump-sum settlement closes your claim and releases the insurer from future obligations — including future medical care. This trade-off requires careful consideration, especially if your injury requires ongoing treatment. See our settlement calculation guide for the full formula.

Should You Accept the First Offer?

Almost never. Insurance companies are motivated to close claims quickly and cheaply. The first offer is rarely the best offer. Workers represented by attorneys consistently receive higher settlements — studies suggest 30–50% higher on average. If your injury is serious or permanent, consulting a workers' comp attorney before accepting any settlement is strongly advisable.

⚠️ Important: A lump-sum settlement almost always closes your right to future medical care for the injury. Never accept one without understanding exactly what you're giving up.

Calculate what your settlement could look like once your impairment rating is assigned.

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