Michigan Workers’ Compensation Claims

Michigan workers who develop occupational illnesses or who are injured at or because of their employment are eligible to file Michigan workers’ compensation claims. Claims may be filed for medical benefits, income replacement benefits, or for other benefits to compensate for the negative effects of the work-related injury or disease. Michigan workers’ compensation claims for work-connected injuries and illnesses must be submitted to the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency. Michigan law provides that any employer with employees who put in 35 hours of work or more each week must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance helps to facilitate workers’ compensation claims, but having an experienced attorney at your side can also be a great help.

Process for Michigan Workers’ Compensation Claims

You should report your illness or injury to your manager or supervisor immediately following the accident or the onset of your disease. Don’t delay – if you wait to notify your employer more than ninety days after the accident or illness occurs, you may not be able to claim Michigan workers’ compensation benefits. After you have notified your employer, your employer must, within seven days, file an Employer’s Basic Report of Injury (Form WC-100) with the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency.

In addition to that report, however, you are responsible for filing your own claim with the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency within sixty days of your accident. Note that the statute of limitations in Michigan for filing a workers’ compensation claim is two years. If you file a claim after this period you will most likely be unable to recover medical benefits or income replacement benefits through the workers’ compensation process.

If you have been injured on the job or become sick as a result of your work, you should also seek prompt medical attention. Be sure to tell the examining doctor that you were injured in a work-related accident, or that your injury or illness was related to your job. This will aid in any future investigation into your workers’ compensation claim.

If you fear your workers’ compensation claim will be contested or rejected, you might additionally consider contacting a Michigan workers’ compensation lawyer.

Reasons to Hire a Michigan Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have questions, concerns, or just want to know that you have an experienced professional at your side who understands the Michigan workers’ compensation system, hiring a Michigan workers’ compensation lawyer is in your best interest. An attorney can explain the workers’ compensation process to you, argue your case if your claim has been contested or denied, and help you formulate a strategy if multiple defendants or other complicating factors exist in your situation.

In particular, it may be necessary to hire a Michigan workers’ compensation attorney if your boss is uninsured or not cooperating, or if you were injured by a defective piece of equipment and a manufacturer must be joined as a party. With the stakes so high in a workers’ compensation case that your financial outlook may depend on whether or not you receive your full benefits, having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your case can make all the difference for your future.