Maximum medical improvement (MMI) occurs when your authorized physician determines your condition has stabilized and will not significantly improve with further treatment, making it a pivotal stage in a South Carolina workers’ compensation case. At MMI, temporary disability benefits end, your doctor assigns a permanent impairment rating that directly impacts the value of permanent disability benefits, and settlement negotiations often begin, including the possibility of a final lump‑sum settlement to close the claim. Because impairment ratings can be disputed, it is critical to have an attorney review yours, and an independent medical evaluation may support a higher rating and stronger compensation.