When Michigan workers suffer illnesses or serious accidents on the job, they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Navigating this system can be overwhelming, but a Grand Rapids workers’ compensation lawyer can help. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve.
Why Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?
An experienced Grand Rapids workers’ compensation attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your compensation, cover medical bills, ensure payment for on-the-job injuries, and prevent sudden stops in your checks.
Workers’ compensation attorneys ensure disputes or complications during the process are handled efficiently.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
If someone other than the employer or a coworker caused an injury through negligence, the employee can sue that third party. This lets them seek additional damages, like pain and suffering, not covered by workers’ compensation.
Third-party negligence includes incidents like construction accidents, faulty machinery, car accidents caused by others, or unsafe conditions on someone else’s property.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in Michigan?
The Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act (Act 317 of 1969) provides compensation for employees with work-related injuries or illnesses. It ensures eligible workers can get all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for injuries arising out of their employment.
The Workers’ Disability Compensation Act provides wage replacement, medical benefits, and rehabilitation benefits for work-related injuries. If you’re injured or become ill due to your job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
What Are Michigan Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
According to the State of Michigan’s Disability Management Office (DMO), the Workers’ Compensation Program is administered by the Office of the State Employer through its Third Party Administrator (TPA), Sedgwick.
Medical Care
For the first 28 days of care, the state via the TPA selects the provider. After that, the injured worker can choose any qualified provider. Sedgwick covers necessary medical care for work injuries but may review the treatment.
If the worker seeks medical treatment before a claim is filed, they should inform the doctor if the injury or illness is work-related. Medical expenses covered by workers’ compensation should not be billed to the worker’s own health insurance.
Wage-Loss Benefits
Wage-loss benefits are calculated based on a worker’s average weekly wages, including overtime, from the highest 39 weeks of pay in the past year. Payments are capped at a weekly maximum set by the Workers’ Compensation Agency (WCA).
Supplemental Wage Benefits
Civil Service provides disability wage supplements for up to 50 weeks, covering 2/3 of the worker’s regular wage. Extensions may be approved in special cases.
Long Term Disability (LTD)
The worker can collect LTD benefits for the injury if Sedgwick denies or disputes the workers’ compensation claim.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Injured employees who can’t return to their previous work may receive vocational rehabilitation, including job adjustments, counseling, or training, to help them reenter the workforce.
Why Can Michigan Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
In Michigan, workers’ compensation claims can be denied for reasons like missing legal deadlines, lack of medical evidence, disputes over whether the injury is work-related, or preexisting conditions. Claims may also be denied if the injury resulted from intentional misconduct or if the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Common Types of Work-Related Accidents in Grand Rapids
Some types of common workplace injuries and accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Burns or chemical exposures
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Machinery injuries
- Overexertion injuries
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the more common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck, spine, and back injuries
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident in Grand Rapids?
Under Michigan law, if you’re injured or become ill due to your job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and visit an approved occupational clinic for treatment, saving your medical records. The DMO will either file a claim with Sedgwick, the state’s WC Administrator, or provide the information to file it yourself.
Contact a Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Our experienced personal injury attorneys help injured employees secure the benefits they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700