After MMI: Permanent Restrictions for Work Injuries

Once you are at Maximum Medical Improvement for your Colorado Work injury - the Doctor may assign you permanent restrictions. What now? What options or rights do you have in worker's compensation? How should you talk with the treating doctor if you think you can continue working your old job? What if you can't?
Call Kaplan Morrell for assistance 303-780-7329.
Here is our video on Maximum Medical Improvement:
• What Does MMI (Maximum...
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#Colorado #Attorney #WorkInjury #WorkersCompensation #injury
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CAUTION
This video is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the workers’ compensation law in Colorado. This information is given with the understanding that this video does not create an attorney client relationship. Since the details of your situation are fact dependent; you should contact us to advise you how the law affects your particular circumstances.

[@blessedladyrobinson5674]

You explained it so well. Very easy to understand, I appreciate it that.

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Thank you, you are welcome anytime.

[@mariovo5]

New sub here . I didn't reach MMI ,I missed my IME appointment and there for my attorney said that my benefits were garnished! He rescheduled my IME and they well I knew there were going to denied my RFA ablation and they did so I had an FCE and got my FCA and now I'm on permanent restrictions and now my attorney wants to do a settlement. I'm in so much pain from my work injury well that's my experience and I hope NO one else goes through this.

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

This sounds awful. Was this a Colorado work injury? If so I am happy to discuss further although I am not sure if I can move the needle much.

[@zachypc8887]

Hey, question. What type of exam does a dr need to do in order to tell if someone has reached mmi? Under the ama guidelines under the 4th handbook

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Typically Doctors have a list of potential possible treatments for a particular diagnosis or condition. Once they've run through those options then you are at MMI. Depending on the person's complaints and progresss some treatments would or would not be offered. (In Colorado we still use the 3rd Edition)

[@ivettelozano2185]

Are u most likely to get a settlement offer if u reach mmi or can it still be denied ? I got 63% impairment rating but Sedgwick denies claim again and again

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Hi Ivette! Great name by the way. Personally I don't like to settle cases before MMI, but cases can settle at any time. You can even settle denied cases. It varies (as you can imagine) depending on lots of factors (think about how many little details determine how much a car can sell for - and you get the idea). We'll be happy to chat with you - call or text 970-356-9898. We've been doing video appointments with clients since 2006 so as long as you have a Smartphone we're always the best lawyer near you!

[@shawnbarker6984]

I had a workers comp case in california. i was given a permanent restriction with only able to lift no more then 40lbs. i settled the case and took the money for lifetime medical the end of Dec 2019. i was terminated also at the same time. now im trying to get another job and the want no restrictions. is there any way i can get that lifted without having to pay back all the work comp money?

[@brittonmorrell6035]

Hi Shawn. I can't tell you much about California law since we are in Colorado. However if your were an injured worker in Colorado dealing with permanent restrictions my general advice* would be that people's capabilities change all the time as they get healthier or less healthy and so you can always tell people that back in 2019 you could only lift 40 pounds but now after years of good clean living and training you can lift (insert truthful amount of pounds here.). * - Means I am not and cannot give you legal advice in this forum and you should consult an attorney in California to be sure.

[@1234Stocktrader]

Good evening, I’m a Tennessee resident ,I was attacked at work and injured in the process. My injuries have healed ,but now I suffer from ptsd .I was told that I’m being placed on permanent restrictions however, I loved my job andI want to return to my position. Can permanent restrictions be reversed?

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Sorry to hear. Okay first with my disclaimer: I only practice law in Colorado and can't give legal advice for other states. ALSO for me to give legal advice that you can and should rely upon we would have to have a consultation where I see your medical and legal records etc etc etc. That being said...my attitude is that your restrictions and limitations are more up to you than to a Doctor. If you feel you can do things safely and can demonstrate it then that is what matters.

[@Turkeywrap75]

I have work restrictions going into my fce I cant repetitive bend twist can only lift 25 lbs occasionally. They can’t make me do things outside of that at fce can they?

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

They should not and you have a right to say you don't feel safe doing those tasks.

[@eduardobarajas2573]

Hi can you get cases in New Mexico ?

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Hi Eduardo, unfortunately we only can take cases in Colorado, but you can call the Division of Workers Compensation of your State at 505-841-6000 to see if they have a list of lawyers that can help you.

[@SlyBurrito360]

Do you have any recommendations or associates in Nevada? 🎩

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

I don't but I typically recommend looking for someone who ONLY does workers compensation and has at least five years experience.

[@rogeliosaucedo8250]

I had 3 injuries 3 fractured ribs fractured shoulder and fracture scapula.. Im currently in therapy and im about done .. when do i get an mmi ?

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Hi Rogelio. You should be declared at MMI when you have plateaued (meaning you are not making advances in how much you can lift, move etc) and no further treatment isn't going to move the needle much. IF YOU HAVE A COLORADO CLAIM AND A SHOULDER INJURY PLEASE CALL US - workers with shoulder injuries get screwed!!!

[@edgarrmartinz]

I’m am disabled after a work injury and not one attorney has helped me, the one that claimed to help screwed up my whole case.

[@micahshively2831]

I've been on restrictions and light duty for about 6 months, have gone through most of the treatment options and am still dealing with a lot of chronic pain and limitations. Unless something changes very drastically, I won't be able to return to my old job, and once the lost wage payments stop I'm afraid I'll find myself up shit creek without a paddle and with a very bad back. I have a plan to replace my job, but there's no telling how long it'll take. Can I expect, assuming I am given some permanent restrictions, to get some amount of money as a final settlement? I have chronic pain, can't lift enough to participate in any work for which I have experience, and I have some sexual dysfunction as well. Oh, and I'm in Colorado.

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Hello Micah, you can call us at 970.356.9898 and our team can conduct an intake for your work injury that happened in Colorado.

[@AG-mm9wn]

My treating providers said that my injuries are stationary for brain injury after almost a year of workers comp. Now the insurance scheduled 3 IME appointments. One claimed my injury revolving my eyes would 99% get better but minimum a year or more of time even though it's going on 4 years since injury. My doctors said its been almost 4 years since the injury and there's zero improvements. The eye doctor said he's telling the insurance to pay benefits. BUT insurances said they were not authorizing anything until all 3 IME were completed. I have only a psych exam left. The neurologist & psychologist are known for always blaming other things or that it's in your head, but with my diagnosis', which some are visible, can these doctors still lie to get the insurance free? I need to follow up with my neurologist to get more medication & evaluation, but insurance are denying until then.. What are possible outcomes?

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Sadly the answer is it depends. What State were you injured?

[@TheodoreTheDog_WillTheOwner]

I just hit my MMI and got a 62% disability on my FCE. My vocational rehab case was closed because they said I was working again but I only get 2 hours 3 days a week I don’t know what to do

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Hi WIll - sorry to hear. In what State were you injured?

[@Earthtime3978]

My doctor said in a depo that I was was 100% disabled from my current job but that I could work ( elsewhere I assume). When cross examined he was asked to give an opinion as to my disability and he said 0% which shocked my lawyer. Seems conflicting. Anyway, I had to get an SLU exam and I’m concerned he put my rating very, very low if anything. It was a knee injury. How much would this effect my settlement?

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

Hi AJ - it depends. Is this a Colorado case - if so then your attorney should be able to explain it to you.

[@yarossnydertime6225]

In California is that the same?

[@KaplanMorrellLaw]

It would be similar but not the same. Every State has different laws so while the big picture might be similar the details can be different.