Maximum Medical Improvement: What It Means For Your Naples Personal Injury Claim

When personal injuries in Naples happen, it can take long months or even years to fully recover. If your injuries occurred in an accident for which others were to blame, you have the right to seek compensation, either through insurance policies they have in place or by filing a personal injury lawsuit. While you may be eager to settle your case and put the incident behind you, our Naples personal injury lawyer explains why it is important to wait until you have reached a level of maximum medical recovery first.

Maximum Medical Improvement In Naples Personal Injury Claims

Personal injuries in Naples often happen due to motor vehicle crashes, slips and falls, or accidents that occur on someone’s property. Generally, negligence on the part of others involved is to blame. Injured victims and their families may be entitled to compensation, either through insurance policies the at-fault party has in place or by filing a personal injury lawsuit in Naples through the Collier County Civil Court.

However, before settling your claim and accepting any payouts, be sure you have reached a level of maximum medical improvement first. This means:

• You have undergone immediate medical care and any treatments recommended by your doctor;
• They have a firm diagnosis of your condition and the extent of harm suffered;
• Any ongoing impairments you suffer from are likely to be permanent, resulting in long-term disabilities.

The Role Maximum Medical Improvement Plays In Seeking Compensation

Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is a common term used in personal injury claims. While insurer companies often offer victims an immediate settlement, it is a common ploy to save themselves money. Settling your claim prior to reaching MMI reduces the overall amount you are entitled to, leaving you paying significant amounts of out-of-pocket costs.

Under the Florida Statutes, you generally have up to four years after personal injuries in Naples happen to file a claim. This not only gives your personal injury lawyer adequate time to investigate and gather evidence, but it also allows time for you to reach maximum medical improvement. This helps to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to for the following:

• Any ongoing and future medical costs you are likely to incur, including testing, treatment, follow-up care, medications, and physical therapy;
• Future losses in earnings and benefits in the ability your injuries prevent you from working or performing certain tasks on the job;
• Additional amounts for chronic pain and lost enjoyment in life due to ongoing impairments. 

Request A Consultation With Our Naples Personal Injury Lawyer

If you suffer personal injuries in Naples, contact The Cardinal Law Firm before speaking with insurers or accepting any settlements. Be aware that once you sign insurance documents or accept a settlement amount, you waive the rights to any future compensation.

Our Naples personal injury lawyer can help ensure you get the maximum amount you need to cover both your current and future costs. To discuss your options, request a consultation today.

Sources:

floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/injury-prevention/index.html

collierclerk.com/court-divisions/civil-court/

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html