Detroit Factory Worker Injury Attorney

It is a well-known fact that Detroit is a major hub of industry in the United States. That makes it a great place for economic opportunity, a great place to raise a family, buy a home, and experience the American dream. However, workplace injuries in Detroit are exceedingly common. Work injuries in industrial centers tend to be especially serious, often resulting in life-long disability or death.

Sadly, because workplace injuries are so common in Detroit, many workers do not get the compensation they need and deserve. That is just part of the reason why it can be so important to get legal representation from a qualified and experienced Detroit factory worker injury attorney.

Why You Need a Factory Accident Lawyer

In a fair and just world, injured workers would not need to fight for the compensation they need and have been promised. Unfortunately, we do not live in a world that is naturally just, and we often require the help of legal representation to get what we are owed. Here are some of the reasons people may need the help of factory accident attorneys, particularly in Detroit.

Establish Your Eligibility

Not every injured worker is entitled to receive worker’s comp benefits. While you may have a clear employment record and an obvious disability, unfortunately, this does not automatically mean you will start getting worker’s compensation checks in the mail. There is a process, forms to be filled out, appointments to be kept, examinations to endure, and more. You can be sure there are people and entities that would rather not pay you worker’s compensation. Therefore, it is often necessary to have a qualified worker’s comp attorney help you to navigate the process.

Meet the Legal Requirements

Those who are eligible for worker’s comp will need to meet all of the requirements that state law demands injured workers must meet. Not only must you meet these requirements but you must prove and show that you meet them. 

These legal requirements include but are not limited to proving that your injuries are actually work related. It may seem absurd, but fraud like this does happen. People have been injured on their own time for reasons that are their own fault, and manage to claim that they developed the injury at and because of work. Worker’s comp applicants must also report the injury to their employer within a certain time frame in order to qualify. Finally, you will also need to be examined by a doctor for treatment and a qualifying diagnosis.

Depending on the nature of your work, the injury you have sustained, and certain employer-employee agreements that may or may not be in place, your qualifications and requirements may vary. Oftentimes navigating all of this complexity is only possible with legal representation. 

Get the Benefits to Which You Are Entitled

There is more than one type of worker’s compensation benefit. There are medical benefits, disability benefits, and vocational benefits. When you file for your benefits, you will need to know which kind of benefits for which you are qualified and apply for the right kind. Often, to do this properly you will need to consult a factory worker injuries attorney. 

The state does not accept the responsibility of determining what kind of benefits for which you qualify and for which you should apply. That is up to you. If you get it wrong and apply for the wrong kind of benefits, you will be denied and have to start the process all over again. 

Obtain Sufficient Benefits

Depending on the nature and scope of your injuries, you may need more benefits than the provider is readily willing to provide. Imagine being injured at work to such an extent that you cannot work any more only to find that the compensation you get doesn’t cover your medical bills. This is one of the most important reasons to work with a worker’s comp attorney. If you get this far in the process only to be under-compensated, it could be months or years before your situation is made right. A qualified work injury attorney will help you avoid this unenviable situation.

Deal with Insurance Companies

If you have ever dealt with an insurance claims adjuster or met an insurance claims investigator, you know that their job is to reduce or deny payment. They are not your friend, and they are not on your side. If you are contacted by one of these types of insurance company employees, it is almost always in your best interests not to talk to them. You need a worker’s comp attorney to do that for you. Otherwise, you risk saying the wrong thing and getting shorted or even denied for your claim. Further, there are a lot of legal and procedural steps that need to be followed correctly, and you really need a lawyer to help you navigate the claims process.

Overcome Denials and Challenges

In many cases, insurance companies will not simply accept your claim. They will challenge it. Insurance companies will often refuse to pay certain types of benefits for a wide range of claimed reasons. The underlying reason is the fact that they just want to keep their money. For this reason, you need a worker’s comp attorney who will aggressively pursue your case and fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Furthermore, insurance companies will sometimes terminate benefits early. In this instance, you will again need an assertive and experienced lawyer to go to bat for you.

Negotiate Lump Sum Settlements

One good way to make sure the insurance company does not short-change you is to successfully negotiate a lump-sum settlement. In order for a demand like this to be taken seriously, there need to be circumstances surrounding your work injury that are sufficiently compelling. There are many ways this can happen, but no matter what the circumstances are, you are almost certainly going to need a lawyer to present your demands.

File an Appeal When Necessary

If you are denied or the insurance company refuses to pay the amount you need or are owed, you are going to have to file an appeal. Needless to say, this is a complicated process all by itself, and if you get any part of it wrong you are likely to be denied yet again. This is another reason why you need a worker’s comp attorney to help with your case. 

Obtain Additional Compensation

After a workplace injury, filing for worker’s comp may not be your only option. You may also qualify for social security benefits. In some cases, you may be able to sue your employer for the injuries you sustained at work. Finding the best option for your case can be tough, and no one is likely to explain all of your options to you other than your legal representative. 

Obtain Certainty You Have Collected the Benefits to Which You are Entitled 

After you file your claim and begin receiving your benefits with the help of your qualified legal representative, you will have peace of mind knowing that you filed correctly and are getting the benefits you are qualified for. This way, you know your claim is legal, secure, and appropriate. 

How Common are Workplace Injuries in Detroit?

In 2021, according to bls.gov, more than 86,000 workplace injuries were reported in the state of Michigan by employers. The vast majority of these undoubtedly took place in Detroit, and many such events are expected to have gone unreported. The state government estimates that for every 100 work hours performed in the state, 3 workplace injuries occur.

When you have been injured on the job, you have every right to be compensated for your time, receive help with your expenses, and more. Unfortunately, those responsible for paying worker’s compensation do not always share that sentiment and will fight it tooth and nail to get out of their obligation. 

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]