If an employee has two injuries that reach MMI at the same time, does Williamson apply?

• A. Yes
• B. No, each injury is settled separately per Benson
• C. Only if within the same year
• D. It depends on the employer

Answer: (B)

When more than one injury reaches maximum medical improvement at the same time, the Benson rule governs how settlements are handled. It requires that each injury be settled separately, with its own impairment rating and settlement value, even though the MMI dates coincide. This protects the distinct impairments and medical histories of each injury and avoids lumping them into a single settlement.

The Williamson approach, which might suggest consolidation or a single settlement in some multi-injury situations, does not apply here according to Benson. Therefore, the correct approach is to treat each injury separately, regardless of the simultaneous MMI dates.