The settlement of your non-subscriber workplace injury claim could take longer than you like for many reasons. The insurance adjuster for your employer could raise disputes as to the cause of your injuries or their severity. Your attorney may have difficulty obtaining the medical or wage loss documents that he needs to calculate these portions of your claim. Another reason why you may actually decide to delay settling your claim is that you have not received your maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Why Your MMI Matters When Settling Your Non-Subscriber Employer Injury Claim
Your maximum medical improvement is an important stage in your medical recovery after suffering a workplace injury. It can mean one of two things:
- You have arrived at the stage of your medical treatment where you have recovered as much as you can—whether or not you have made a full recovery.
- You are still receiving medical treatment, but your doctor is able to give you a final prognosis and to the future treatments you will need, the extent of your recovery, and whether or not you will suffer a disability.
Waiting until you reach this stage of your recovery can be important to you receiving your full settlement. When you settle your case, it is a complete and final resolution of your claim. This means that you cannot reopen your claim and ask for more money if you later discover additional injuries or that you were hurt more seriously than you thought when you settled your claim. By waiting until you reach your MMI, you enable your attorney to more accurately determine your future medical needs, your ability to work, and the value of your pain and suffering to obtain the full compensation that you deserve.
Can You Do Anything to Speed Up Your Maximum Medical Improvement?
Any delays in resolving your claim can be frustrating because you need the money to pay for your medical treatments and monthly expenses and to get on with your life. While you cannot control how fast you recover, you can take steps to increase the likelihood that you will heal more quickly—important to your health as well as your settlement. Here are ways that you can help:
- Go to all of your doctor and other medical appointments.
- Follow your doctor’s advice as to your treatment.
- Attend all physical therapy sessions and perform any stretches and exercises recommended for you to do at home.
Have You Been Injured At Your Texas Job And Your Employer Doesn't Provide Workers' Compensation?
If you've been injured on the job and your employer is non-subscriber you need to speak with an experienced work injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.
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