Alabama Workers' Compensation Terms Injured Workers Hear

Key terms

MMI

Maximum medical improvement. It usually means the authorized doctor believes the injury has reached a point where major improvement is not expected, even if the worker still has pain or restrictions.

FCE

Functional capacity evaluation. A test used to measure physical abilities and limits. In serious cases, an FCE may affect return-to-work decisions, restrictions, settlement, and Social Security Disability analysis.

Permanent restrictions

Medical limits that may continue after MMI. For a physical worker, permanent restrictions can be one of the most important facts in the case.

Panel of four

A workers' compensation procedure that may allow a change of authorized treating physician in certain circumstances.

Utilization review

A process often used by insurance companies to review requested medical treatment. A denial or delay can become a major red flag.

Future medical

Medical care that may be needed after settlement. Closing future medical too early can be dangerous if the worker still needs treatment.

Retaliatory discharge

A separate issue that may arise if a worker is dismissed for filing or pursuing a workers' compensation claim.

Social Security Disability

A separate federal disability benefit program. When workers' compensation and Social Security Disability concerns overlap, the case may raise a serious return-to-work issue.