What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in Texas Workers’ Comp?
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MMI Is One of the Most Important Milestones in Your Case
If you’re injured at work in Texas, you’ll eventually hear the term Maximum Medical Improvement, or MMI — a critical point often referred to as maximum medical improvement in Texas workers comp cases.. This is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — stages in the workers’ compensation process.
MMI in Texas workers comp affects:
- Your medical treatment
- Your income benefits
- Your impairment rating
- Your ability to return to work
- Your long‑term compensation
Unfortunately, many injured workers reach MMI without understanding what it means or how it impacts their case. This guide, from our Texas workers comp lawyers, breaks it down clearly so you can protect your rights.
What Is Maximum Medical Improvement In Texas Workers Comp?
Under Texas workers compensation law, MMI is the point at which your work‑related injury has improved as much as it is expected to improve, even if you are not fully healed. It is a point in time when a doctor certifies that there is no longer an expectation of further material recovery from your injuries. Insurance companies try to distort the meaning of maximum medical improvement in Texas workers comp cases, but the law is clear.
You reach MMI when:
- Your doctor believes no further treatment will significantly improve your condition, or
- 104 weeks (2 years) have passed since the 8th day you missed from work because of your injury (the “statutory MMI” date)
Important:
MMI does not mean you are pain‑free or fully recovered.
It simply means your condition has stabilized to the point that it is not going to continue to improve.
FAQs: Maximum Medical Improvement in Texas
No. It means your condition has stabilized.
Yes, but it must be medically necessary and related to your injury.
Yes — but you must act quickly. This is a good time to consult with a Texas workers comp lawyer.
MMI may still matter, but your rights are different.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Who Decides When You Reach MMI?
There are three possible decision‑makers for maximum medical improvement in Texas workers comp cases:
- Your Treating Doctor
They may declare you at MMI based on your progress and medical records.
- A Designated Doctor
If there is a dispute, the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) may order a designated doctor exam to determine:
- Whether you reached MMI
- Your impairment rating
The designated doctor’s opinion carries significant weight.
- An Insurance Company Independent Medical Examination Doctor
After a designated doctor exam, the insurance company has a right to send you to a doctor of it’s choice to get another opinion. This doctor often:
- writes a report limiting your injuries
- back-dates your MMI date low-balling your impairment rating.
What Happens When You Reach MMI?
Reaching MMI triggers several major changes in your workers’ comp case.
- Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs) stop
These benefits end once MMI is reached.
- You receive an Impairment Rating (IR)
This rating determines whether you qualify for additional benefits.
- Your future medical treatment may be limited
You may still receive care, but it must be medically necessary and related to the injury.
- Your return‑to‑work status may change
Your employer may push you to return to work — even if you still have limitations.
What Is an Impairment Rating (IR)?
Your impairment rating is a percentage that reflects the permanent damage caused by your injury.
How it works:
- A doctor assigns a percentage from 0% to 100%
- You receive 3 weeks of Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs) for every 1%
Example:
A 10% IR = 30 weeks of IIBs
This rating is extremely important — and often disputed.
What If You Disagree With Your MMI Date or Impairment Rating?
If you disagree with your MMI date or impairment rating, you have the right to file a dispute. You have the right to dispute:
- The MMI date
- The impairment rating
- The designated doctor’s findings
- The treating doctor’s findings
Why disputes matter:
A low impairment rating can cost you months of income benefits.
Deadlines are strict:
You typically have 90 days to dispute an impairment rating.
Miss the deadline, and the rating becomes final — even if it’s wrong.
This is one of the most common reasons injured workers contact MLF Legal.
How MMI Affects Your Ability to Work
Reaching MMI does not mean you can return to your old job.
You may still have:
- Permanent restrictions
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Reduced strength
- Ongoing medical needs
If your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions, you may qualify for additional benefits or vocational rehabilitation.
What If Your Employer Is a Non Subscriber?
If your employer does not carry workers’ comp:
- You will not receive an official MMI determination
- You may undergo independent medical exams (IMEs)
- Your impairment may be evaluated for a personal injury lawsuit
- You may recover far more than workers’ comp provides
MMI still matters — but in a different way. It helps determine long‑term damages.
Common Problems Workers Face at MMI
❌ Being declared at MMI too early
Insurance companies often push for early MMI to cut off benefits.
❌ Receiving an unfairly low impairment rating
This reduces the number of weeks of IIBs.
❌ Being pressured to return to work
Even when restrictions make it unsafe.
❌ Losing access to needed medical care
Post‑MMI treatment can be harder to get approved.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone — and you have options. This would be a good time to consult a Texas workers comp lawyer.
MMI Is a Turning Point — Make Sure You’re Protected
Reaching MMI is one of the most important stages in your Texas workers’ comp case. It affects your benefits, your medical care, and your future.
You deserve someone who understands the system and can protect your rights. Our on the job injury attorneys provide free consultations for anyone who has been determined to have reached maximum medical improvement in Texas workers comp claims. These reports are often filled with errors and based on incomplete medical treatment. Don’t give up your access to a free review!
📞 Disagree with your MMI or impairment rating? Need help understanding your rights?
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win.
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