After suffering severe injury in a car accident, it may become apparent that you will never make a full recovery. This is devastating news, and you may be wondering if a personal injury compensation claim can somehow make up for the long-term financial impact this will have on your life.
In this situation, it may be necessary for you to receive a permanent impairment rating.
In that case, there is a concept called the permanent impairment rating. This analysis of your injuries and the expected impacts they will have on your future will help the jury in your case understand the scope of your suffering. It will also act as a reference when determining what compensation amounts you should receive for your injuries.
What Is a Permanent Impairment Rating?
As mentioned briefly, a permanent impairment rating is an assessment made by a physician of how your accident injuries will impact your life going forward. This is only done when you have reached your “maximum medical improvement” (MMI). You are considered to have attained your MMI when there is little chance your condition will change over time, regardless of the treatment you receive.
How a Permanent Impairment Rating Affects Your Personal Injury Case
Permanent impairment ratings are commonly used in worker’s compensation cases, but there are occasions where it is necessary for personal injury suits. One of the most challenging aspects of a trial is demonstrating to the jury the severity and long-term implications of the harm you’ve suffered because of a negligent party.
Anyone can go to court and say their life has been devastated, but this rating system provides an evidence-based assessment of that fact. As a result, juries can better understand how your injuries will prevent you from earning a living and why your health won’t ever be 100% again. This powerful information will greatly influence the compensation award they grant you.
What is Maximum Medical Improvement?
MMI assessments go hand in hand with permanent impairment ratings in a personal injury case. For your doctor to rate your condition accurately, it must be established if you have reached your maximum level of injury recovery. Once it’s determined you have met that milestone, a rating assessment can be conducted for your case.
It’s not uncommon for injury claims to take years because of this standard. Stating you’ve reached your MMI takes time and a commitment to treatment and medical care for your injuries. If you still have ongoing issues from disabilities you’ve developed from your injuries. However, your doctor is certain that you won’t experience significant improvement at that point. Therefore, you may still be told you’ve reached your MMI.
A Warning About Premature MMI Declarations in Personal Injury Cases
Sadly, some attorneys and physicians conspire to manipulate this system. Prematurely declaring you’ve reached your MMI to speed along your case is never wise. Mainly because if the defending parties figure out this has occurred, they can use this against your credibility. Also, you cut short the medical history needed to convince the jury that the debilitating injuries you’ve suffered have significantly changed your life.
Take your time and focus on your health and healing during this challenging time. It’s best to have a solid case of evidence documenting the struggles you’ve experienced since getting hurt. Doing so will ensure that the compensation you are awarded is fair and fully addresses the scope of your damages. But, on the other hand, hurrying the process could leave you with a financial shortfall that can’t be recovered.
Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Accident Case
At Jordan Law, we understand the anxiety and frustration you are experiencing after becoming severely debilitated by a negligent person’s actions. Our firm has represented individuals and their loved ones who have been told they will never fully recover from the harm caused to them.
Trust us to represent your best interests throughout the personal injury claim process. We handle everything so that you can continue to focus on improving your condition as much as possible. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about what rights you have to compensation.