Your back still hurts every morning, but your doctor in Sioux Falls, South Dakota declared you at maximum medical improvement (MMI) anyway. Temporary disability checks stopped, and now an insurance company doctor wants to examine you and assign a permanent rating. That single number will determine whether your settlement covers your bills or leaves you struggling for the rest of your life.
What maximum medical improvement means for your claim
South Dakota Law defines MMI as the point when your condition stabilizes and further treatment will not significantly improve your ability to work. Once your doctor declares MMI, temporary disability benefits end. This shift often creates a gap in income while the insurance company evaluates your permanent status. The focus then shifts to determining whether you have a permanent disability and how severe it is.
The independent medical examination process
After you reach MMI, the insurance carrier may send you to an independent medical examination (IME). A doctor chosen by the insurer checks your condition and gives you a permanent disability rating. That rating controls your settlement amount. IME doctors often give lower ratings than your own doctor, and when the two reports disagree, your case can stall or go to a hearing.
How permanency ratings shape settlement offers
Your permanent disability rating translates into weeks of compensation under South Dakota law. South Dakota typically offers permanent disability as a lump sum settlement rather than ongoing weekly checks, though structured payments may be available in some cases. Common factors that influence your rating include:
- Loss of range of motion or strength in the injured area
- Chronic pain that limits your ability to perform job duties
- Need for ongoing medical treatment or physical restrictions
A lower rating means a smaller settlement, which may not cover your long-term needs if you cannot return to physical work.
What happens if you dispute the rating
You can fight a permanency rating by showing medical records from your treating doctor. The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation may hold a hearing where both sides present proof. Without strong medical records, the original rating may stick and your workers’ comp claim may fail.
Why legal guidance matters at this stage
An attorney experienced in South Dakota workers’ compensation can review IME reports and challenge unfair ratings. A lawyer can also gather medical evidence and represent you at a hearing if the insurer refuses a fair settlement. You spent years working with your hands, and one rating should not decide your future.