Many of the clients we see depend on workers’ compensation to pay their bills. Unfortunately, benefits can be stopped with little or no warning. Some employees do not learn about the decision until their check doesn’t arrive in the mail, usually with a Notice of Dispute filed afterward.

We can help you challenge this decision. Common reasons benefits are stopped include:

Independent Medical Examination (IME)

The insurance company can require an examination by a doctor it chooses. If this doctor claims the injured workers has recovered or was never disabled, benefits may be stopped. These IME doctors often work repeatedly with insurance companies.

Refusing Light-duty Work

If an employee refuses work that fits their medical restrictions, they may have their wage loss benefits stopped. However, some light duty jobs are pointless, humiliating, or outside the employees restrictions. If you can, accept offered work to attempt and see if you can do an enjoy the work and speak with an attorney if the employer is acting unfairly.

Surveillance and Activity Checks

Insurance companies may hire investigators, review social media, and try to take an employees activities out of context. They try and use this evidence to question the employee’s disability and stop benefits.

If for any reason your benefits are stopped and you have bills to pay, and you feel the benefits were stopped unfairly, speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney immediately.

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.

What Is Considered A Workers’ Compensation Injury In Michigan?

We get asked all the time what counts as a workers’ comp injury. The good news is that workers’ compensation covers more than just sudden workplace accidents. In Michigan, benefits may be available for both injuries caused by a specific accident AND medical conditions that develop over time because of your job.

Specific Injuries

A specific injury happens because of a single workplace accidents. The specific injuries we see typically consist of slipping and falling, lifting something heavy, getting injured by machinery, or being struck by an object. When we see these injuries, they are usually easier to prove because they can be tied to a particular event at work.

Occupational Diseases

Not every work injury we help argue for is not just a one time event. Some conditions can develop over months or even years due to repetitive motions or long-term exposure in the workplace. Common examples we see and fight for include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, hearing loss, back problems, and respiratory conditions caused by harmful workplace exposure.

Occupational diseases claims can be quite difficult for us to prove because the insurance company may argue the condition was caused by aging or a preexisting medical problem instead of your job. We need strong medical evidence to show the condition was caused or made worse by your work.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

A denied claim does not always immediately mean the end of your case. Insurance companies deny claims for a multitude of reasons, including disputes over how the injury happened or whether it is work-related.

If your claim is denied, we recommend you to act quickly. Keep your medical records, report the injury to your employer, and consider speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Try and keep everything you have related to your work injury. Having the right evidence can make a significant difference when appealing a denied claim.

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.

One of the questions we hear most often is whether an employee has to use vacation or sick time after getting hurt at work. The answer is not always a simple yes or no, but usually the answer is yes.

Michigan workers’ compensation does not pay wage loss benefits until an employee has been disabled for at least seven consecutive days. If you’re only out of work for a few days, many employees choose, or are required by their employer, to use vacation or sick time to continue receiving a paycheck.

Vacation and sick pay are generally considered wage continuation under Michigan workers’ compensation law. This simply means you cannot collect both workers’ compensation wage loss benefits and vacation or sick pay at the same time.

If your claim is disputed, your employer may require you to use your earned time off while the case is pending. However, if your claim is later approved, it may be possible to recover those lost wages or even negotiate to have your vacation or sick time restored.

Each case we see is different. If you are not sure about whether you should use your vacation or sick time after a workplace injury, speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. We can help you understand your rights.

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.

Many of the clients we see are surprised to learn how many benefits may be available after a workplace injury. Understanding your rights can help make sure you receive the benefits the insurance company is required to provide.

Wage Loss Benefits

If your injury keeps you from working, you may qualify for weekly wage Loss Benefits. In Michigan, these benefits are generally based on 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage and may include overtime, certain fringe benefits, and wages from second jobs.

Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, This can include doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and hospital care. Injured workers also have the right to choose their own doctor after the first 28 days of treatment.

Other Benefits

Depending on your injury, workers’ compensation may also cover mileage to medical appointments, attendant care, home or vehicle modifications, and vocational rehabilitation if you need help returning to work or training for a new career.

Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Many injured workers eventually choose to settle their claim for a one-time, limp-sum payment. The Value of a settlement depends on several factors, including future medical treatment, wage loss and the overall impact the injury has on your ability to work.

Every workers’ compensation case is different. Knowing what benefits are available is one of the best ways to protect your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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.

Whether a business owner needs workers’ compensation insurance depends on how the business is set up and who is considered an employee. Michigan workers’ compensation generally protects employees, but we believe coverage for a business owner is worth looking into when it is available.

Who Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Michigan?

Michigan businesses may be required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they regularly employ three or more people at one time. Coverage may also be required if one employee works 35 hours or more per week for at least 13 weeks during a 52-week period.

Failing to carry insurance can cause serious problems. The business may still be responsible for an injured worker’s medical treatment and wage loss benefits, and officers or directors could potentially face personal liability and penalties.

Are Business Owners Covered?

Self-employed individual and sole proprietors are generally not covered because workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees. Partnerships, LLCs, and closely held corporation may also have different coverage options or exclusions.

These rules can get confusing quickly, so business owners should speak with their insurance broker about what coverage makes sense for their situation.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation can pay for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to a workplace injury. This can include doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, and other medical care without copays or deductibles.

If an injury keeps an employee from working, wage loss benefits may also be available. These benefits are generally based on 80% of the worker’s after-tax average weekly wage, subject to Michigan’s maximum benefit rate.

For business owners, having workers’ compensation coverage can help protect against large medical bills and lost income after a serious workplace injury, It may be worth speaking with an insurance broker and finding out what options are available.

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.

Insurance medical examinations can be frustrating, stressful, and disruptive. You may be required to travel to a doctor selected and paid by the insurance company. The examinations may be brief, yet the doctor’s opinion can affect your benefits, medical treatment, and ability to remain off of work.

In an open claim, these examinations may occur repeatedly. We see this especially after a surgery, a change in restrictions, or a significant development in your medical condition.

A full Michigan workers’ compensation settlement generally ends the insurance company’s right to keep sending you for additional examinations.

No more preparing for another appointment. No more wondering what the next report will say. No more allowing an insurance doctor to repeatedly evaluate your condition.

For many injured workers, that peace of mind is an important part of 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.

Some injured workers appreciate assistance from a nurse case manager. Others feel uncomfortable having someone working for the insurance company involved in their medical care.

A nurse case manager may attend appointments, communicate with doctors, request reports, and discuss return to work plans.

Even when everyone acts professionally, the injured workers may feel that private medical decisions are no longer entirely private.

A full workers’ compensation settlement can end the insurance company’s ongoing involvement in your treatment. There is generally no more insurance nurse attending appointments, contacting your doctors, or participating in discussion about your work restrictions.

For many injured workers, settlement means returning medical decisions to the patient and the patient’s own healthcare providers. That independence can by an important benefit of resolving a claim.

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.

Workers’ compensation cases can last for years in Michigan.

During that time, injured workers may live with uncertainty about weekly checks, medical treatment, Employment, surveillance, insurance examinations, and possible litigation.

A fair settlement can provide something that an ongoing claim cannot always provide: finality.

You know the amount being paid. You know the dispute is ending. You are no longer waiting for the next insurance company decision, court date, medical examination, or benefit dispute.

Settlement can give you the opportunity to move forward, make financial plans, and focus on your life instead of constantly managing a workers’ compensation claim.

There is real value in being finished, but only when the settlement is fair and the consequences have been carefully explained. The Law Offices of David Zimmerman have been helping injured Michigan workers evaluate settlements for more than 32 years.

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.