3 Michigan Workers’ Compensation FAQs

by | Aug 18, 2017 | Personal Injury | 0 comments

When someone suffers an injury on the job, it can have tragic and unforeseen consequences. Aside from needing money for hospital bills, workers can also struggle with rehabilitation costs, as well as other issues related to their inability to earn wages. In order to address this, Michigan has a workers’ compensation system that is specifically designed to help workers replace lost wages and pay for any costs related to their injury. If you think that you or someone you know may qualify for workers’ compensation, it’s worth understanding the basics of the system, as well as how it is specifically handled in Michigan.

Who Pays for Workers’ Compensation?

By law, Michigan requires all employers to arrange for workers’ compensation benefits by paying into a commercial insurance carrier. Alternatively, businesses can also apply for a state recognized self-insured status, which simply means that they will directly cover any costs associated with worker injuries.

Although the worker is entitled to a number of benefits, it’s worth noting that they are limited. Under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act, a worker can only earn benefits that make up for lost wages up to a certain cap, which is adjusted annually. In addition, a worker is entitled to up to 104 weeks of vocational rehabilitation, and medical reimbursements up to a certain limit, as defined by cost containment rules.

How is Workers’ Compensation Paid?

Once a worker is aware of an injury that took place while they were on the job, they should immediately contact their employer. For the first 28 days, the employee will be required to see the healthcare physician of the employer’s choice. After this period has ended, the employee may then choose to switch healthcare providers, but they must notify the employer of their decision if they do so.

Medical payments are then typically made by the employer directly, with any other benefits awarded to the worker paid by either the employer or the employer’s insurance company. Although the value of any wage-based benefit can vary, it is roughly 80% of the employee’s after-tax wage value. Depending on the severity of injuries sustained, a worker could potentially be entitled up to a lifetime of medical and wage loss benefits.

How to Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Case

Although workers’ compensation cases are typically resolved without any issue, a claim can be filed if the employer or insurance company refuses to pay for an employee’s injury. Of course, in this situation, it would be a good idea to seek out legal representation before continuing further.

When appealing your workers’ compensation claim, you should be sure to have adequate legal representation. Michigan Legal Center houses experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who can help you gain access to the funds entitled to you by law. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Cadillac, MI – Child Injured in Bicycle Crash at Granite & Laurel St

Cadillac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A 12-year-old boy was hurt while riding a bike in Cadillac on Friday night, June 2.  The fatal accident was reported at the corner of Granite and Laurel Street at around 6:40 p.m. The victim was traveling by bicycle when he was hit by a...

Algonac, MI – Debra Fox Killed in Boating Accident at Algonac Harbor Club

Algonac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A Clarkston woman was killed in a boating accident in Algonac over the weekend on Friday, May 26.  The deadly accident took place at the Algonac Harbor Club on M-29 near State Street. When emergency responders arrived, they found a 23-foot...

Imlay City, MI – Woman Killed, Man Hurt in Can-Am Spyder Motorcycle Crash on M-53

Imlay City, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was killed and a man injured following a crash involving two motorcycles in Imlay City on Sunday afternoon, May 28.  The fatal accident was reported on M-53 as the woman was riding a Can-Am Spyder three-wheeled motorcycle and...

Flint Twp, MI – Two Killed, One Hurt in Wrong-Way Crash at I-75 & Beecher Rd

Flint Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - A head-on crash in Flint Township on Saturday, May 27, left two people dead and another in critical condition.  At around 10:35 p.m., two vehicles collided on Interstate 75 near Beecher Road. It was reported that a 43-year-old man from...

Holly Twp, MI – Burton Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash at Belford & Holly Rd

Holly Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a motorcyclist was killed following a collision in Holly Township.  The deadly accident was reported at the intersection of Belford and Holly Roads early that morning. A 53-year-old Burton man was headed northbound on...

Gladwin, MI – Woman Hurt in Three-Vehicle Crash on M-61

Gladwin, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was injured after a pileup collision in the Gladwin area on Tuesday, May 23.  The accident was reported on M-61 that afternoon. Three vehicles reportedly collided at the scene. A woman was hurt in the crash, and she was treated at...

Kingsford, MI – Two Hurt after Car Crashes into Healthcare Building on Pyle Dr

Kingsford, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a vehicle crashed into a building on Pyle Drive in Kingsford on Thursday afternoon, June 1.  The accident occurred as a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria was traveling on the roadway and crashed into the Northpointe...

Walker, MI – Driver Seriously Hurt in Two-Car Crash at Elmridge Dr & 3 Mile Rd

Walker, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a two-vehicle collision in Walker on Wednesday, May 31.  The accient was reported at the intersection of Elmrige Drive and 3 Mile Road at around 8 a.m. A driver was making a left turn when they were hit by an...

Frenchtown Twp, MI – Monroe Man Dies in 18-Wheeler Crash at Telegraph & Newport Rd

Frenchtown Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a Monroe man was killed after being hit by a semi-truck in Frenchtown Township.  The victim was riding a 1989 Honda Hurricane motorcycle when he was hit by a black 2020 Peterbilt tractor-trailer at the...

Gaines Twp, MI – Britt Bridge Killed in Motorcycle Accident at Morrish & Hill Rd

Gaines Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - A crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle in Gaines Township resulted in the death of a Swartz Creek man on Saturday, May 27.  The deadly crash occurred at the corner of Morrish and Hill Roads at around 11 p.m. that night. It...