A work injury may prevent someone from returning to their regular job, or force them into early retirement. Workers’ Compensation Benefits can continue as long as they are legally and medically necessary in Michigan. Insurance companies may try to reduce or stop benefits for a multitude of reasons.

How long can you stay on workers’ compensation in Michigan?

As long as the work-related injury or illnesses prevents them from earning their previous wages, an injured worker can stay on workers’ comp. There is no simple fixed time limit for someone who remains disabled. However, benefits may be reduced or stopped if the employee can return to work, refuses reasonable employment inside their restrictions, or becomes subject to retirement-related offsets.

How long do workers’ Compensation medical benefits last?

Medical benefits can continue for life if the treatment remains reasonable, necessary, and related to the workplace injury. Covered care may include doctor visits, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment.  The employer or insurance company generally chooses the doctor during the first 28 days. After that, the employee may select another qualified doctor after giving proper notice. Insurers may dispute whether continued treatment is necessary or connected to the injury, but there is no automatic end date for covered medical care.

How long do wage-loss benefits last?

Similar to the other benefits above, wage-loss benefits can continue as long as the work injury causes disability and lost wages. There is no maximum number of weeks for someone who remains eligible.

How long do I have to report an injury?

Michigan employees generally have 90 days to report a workplace injury, Notice may be verbal or written, but written notice provides much better proof of when the injury was reported.

A claim for benefits generally must also be pursued within two years of the injury or disability. Reporting the injury promptly can help avoid disputes about when or where it happened.

Do I need a workplace injury lawyer?

A lawyer is not required to report an injury or receive benefits. However, legal help may be valuable if the insurance company denies the claim, stops payments, disputed medical treatment, or argues the employee can return to work.

We can help gather evidence, challenge benefit reductions, represent the employee at hearings, and negotiate a settlement.

Injured At Work? Contact The Law Offices Of David Zimmerman For a Free Consultation

Request a Free Case Evaluation now at 1-866-464-2889. Clients Represented in Thousands of Workers’ Compensation Claims, Trials, Settlements in Metro Detroit, Michigan, Lansing, MI, Flint, MI, Saginaw, MI, Monroe, Michigan, Michigan’s Thumb and Port Huron areas. Every day we work with our clients as we go about taking care of their crucial legal issues. The trust we develop with our clients is the foundation of our relationships. At the Law Offices of David Zimmerman, our attorneys help our clients achieve their goals by offering premium legal services. We never stop working to continuously strengthen those relationships.

• The article is for general informational purposes.
• Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
• The information may not apply to every person’s situation.
• People should contact an attorney for advice about their specific case.