Legal Definitions - maximum medical improvement

Definition: Maximum medical improvement is the point in an injured person's recovery where their condition stabilizes, and no further improvement is expected even with additional medical treatment.

This term is commonly used in workers' compensation claims. When an employee is injured on the job, they usually receive temporary benefits until they reach maximum medical improvement. At this point, a determination can be made about any permanent disability the employee has suffered and any corresponding benefits they should receive.

Example: John was injured at work and has been receiving temporary benefits while he undergoes medical treatment. After several months, his doctor determines that he has reached maximum medical improvement and is unlikely to make any further progress in his recovery.

Explanation: In this example, John's doctor has determined that he has reached the point of maximum medical improvement, meaning that his condition has stabilized and he is not expected to make any further progress in his recovery, even with additional medical treatment. This is an important milestone in John's workers' compensation claim, as it allows for a determination to be made about any permanent disability he may have suffered and any corresponding benefits he should receive.