Lansing Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Experienced and Reliable Lansing Workers’ Comp Lawyers

We Fight for the Rights of Injured Lansing Workers’

When Lansing workers sustain injuries at work or develop an on-the-job illness, they spend time away from work. In some severe cases, they suffer a disability that keeps them from returning to the job they had or working all their life. Thankfully, Michigan is one of the states in the U.S. that mandates employers to pay workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers.

This means you can receive compensation for any wound sustained at or outside the workplace when performing your job functions. The sad news, however, is that workers’ comp claims are not always straightforward. Employers and insurance companies find ways to deny valid claims and avoid paying benefits to injured employees.

This is why working with an attorney when requesting workers’ compensation from your employer is always beneficial. Our Lansing workers’ comp lawyer has represented several injured workers and helped them receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law. So, if you or a loved one suffered a workplace injury, contact Goodman Acker, P.C., immediately.

Call us at 248-286-8100 for a free case evaluation.

Why Choose the Lansing Workers’ Comp Lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C.?

No one plans to get injured at work, but if you do, obtaining legal representation is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and you get workers’ comp benefits. This is what we are here for at Goodman Acker, P.C. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have decades of experience representing the interests of injured workers with their employers, attorneys, and insurance companies.

We understand Michigan’s workers’ comp laws and how the legal system works and will do all we can to ensure a favorable outcome. Also, we know how legal fees keep injured workers from getting legal representation. So, we handle workers’ compensation claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay us upfront. We only get paid when we help you get your benefits.

We are always available to listen to you and render legal advice. Therefore, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Call us at 248-286-8100 to learn more about our services.

Understanding Michigan’s Workers’ Comp Law

Workers’ compensation is an insurance coverage that pays benefits to workers who are injured,  become disabled, or develop an illness as a result of their jobs. The injury or disease must be directly related to the employee’s work to have a valid workers’ comp claim. If the damage happened on the way to work or when performing an act unrelated to your job function, it does not qualify for workers’ compensation.

Under Michigan’s workers’ compensation law, certain employers must carry workers’ comp coverage. They include the following:

• All private employers with one or more employees working 35 hours per week for 13 weeks or longer during the preceding 52 weeks.
• All private employers regularly with three or more employees at one time (including part-time employees).
• Agricultural employers if they employ three or more employees for 35 hours or more per week for 13 or more consecutive weeks.
• Householders with domestic servants if they employ anyone 35 hours or more per week for 13 weeks or longer during the preceding 52 weeks.
• All public employers.

Workers’ compensation does not cover independent contractors and agricultural workers who work less than 35 hours per week for 13 weeks. Also, it excludes domestic workers who work less than 35 hours per week for 13 weeks.

What Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Lansing, Michigan?

All injuries sustained while at or away from the workplace but performing a job function qualify for workers’ compensation. Examples are:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Overexertion
• Burns
• Knee injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Crush injuries
• Ligament sprains and tears, etc.

Aside from these wounds, occupational diseases resulting from hazardous work conditions like chemical exposures also qualify for benefits. Examples of occupational illnesses workers develop are asthma, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, mental health disorders, etc.

Benefits Paid Under Michigan’s Workers’ Comp Law

Michigan’s workers’ compensation pays for all work-related injuries and illnesses, including medical bills, lost wages, and the loss of particular body parts.

Wage Loss Benefits

You will receive a portion of your lost wages if you suffer a disability because of the injury or illness. Michigan law defines a disability as any limitation in your “wage earning capacity” in work suitable for your qualifications and training. Wage loss benefits start when you miss work for seven days, but if you cannot work for 14 days, you will get retroactive benefits.

Also, wage loss benefits cover 80% of your pre-injury wage, and you may receive payments for as long as your wage earning capacity is reduced because of a disability. If you can resume work in a limited capacity, you will receive 80% of the difference between your current earning capacity and your pre-injury wages.

Specific Loss Benefits

Michigan law considers the loss of a specific body part like an eye, arm, hand, finger, toe, foot, etc. Specific loss benefits pay 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage, subject to the minimum and maximum, for a particular number of weeks, depending on which body part the injured worker lost. The benefits continue for a planned number of weeks even if you can work.

Medical Expenses

Workers’ compensation pays for all reasonable and necessary medical care needed to treat an injury or illness. It also covers transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, out-of-pocket costs, and medical rehabilitation services. Under Michigan law, you must use your employer-provided physician for the first 28 days of your medical treatment. Afterward, you can switch to your doctor, but you must first inform your employer or insurance company in writing.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

You can receive vocational rehabilitation benefits to help you ease into a different job role or adjust to the one you had before the injury or illness. For example, you could get minor changes to your workstation, retraining, or job placement services.

Death Benefits and Burial Expenses

If an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness, the surviving dependents are entitled to death benefits for 500 weeks. It could be longer if the deceased worker had minor dependents at the time of death. The death benefits are 80% of the decedent’s pre-injury, after-tax weekly wage and are subject to a minimum and maximum. Also, the decedent’s beneficiaries receive up to $6,000 in burial and funeral expenses.

Lansing Workers’ Comp Lawyer FAQs

When injured workers contact us, they have several questions about the workers’ comp process. Below are some of the frequently asked ones:

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim? 

Michigan law states you have 90 days to inform your employer of the injury. But you have up to two years from the injury date or when the disability first manifests to file a workers’ compensation claim.

What happens if I fail to inform my employer of my work injury or illness?

If you fail to inform your employer of your injury within the time stipulated by law, you risk losing all your benefits. The preceding is also the case if you do not seek medical treatment immediately.

Why did my employer deny my workers’ compensation claim?

Employers deny workers’ compensation for various reasons, which might be valid or invalid. For example, claims are denied for discrepancies, conflicting testimonies, or because the accident happened outside the scope of your employment. If your employer denies your claim, our Lansing workers’ comp attorney can examine the reason for the denial and provide guidance.

When should I hire a workers’ comp lawyer in Lansing, Michigan?

The best time to hire a lawyer is immediately after the work injury or when you discover a work-related illness. Consider the severity of your injury, the actions of your employer, and the complexity of your case before choosing an attorney.

These may not be your only questions; our attorneys will discuss your specific concerns in your initial consult.

How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Lansing Can Help You

Our workers’ compensation lawyers provide invaluable assistance when injured or if you develop a work injury. Here’s what you can expect from us:

• Helping you understand your rights and navigating the legal process
• Filing a claim
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Appealing claim denials
• Protecting you from employer retaliation and unlawful dismissal
• Ensuring you receive the proper medical care, etc.

Although rare, a work comp case may lead to litigation. If that happens, our attorneys will represent you and argue your case to secure a favorable verdict.

Get the Help You Need from Goodman Acker, P.C.

If you or a loved one suffered a work-related injury or developed an occupational disease, contact Goodman Acker, P.C., immediately. Call us at 248-286-8100 to discuss the specific details of your case and receive personalized advice and guidance.

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 ]