Ann Arbor Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Ethical and Reliable Ann Arbor Workers’ Comp Lawyers

We Specialize in Workers’ Compensation Cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Did you sustain an on-the-job injury? Did the wound keep you away from work for a long time, result in extensive medical bills, or lead to a partial or permanent disability? If yes, you may qualify for workers’ compensation.

However, filing a workers’ compensation claim may be time-consuming and complex, and you may have your initial claim denied, leading to frustration and financial difficulties. When filing a workers’ comp claim, you should work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

At Goodman Acker, P.C., we have successfully helped several injured workers fight for their right to receive workers’ compensation. We have an incredible track record of success and are committed to securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Call us at 248-286-8100 to book a case review.

Why Choose Our Ann Arbor Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

Getting injured at work is never in the plan for anyone, but it happens, even when you are very careful. As a result, you might spend time hospitalized, which causes you to miss work. Our workers’ comp lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C., understand how devastating this can be and will devote time and resources to helping you receive your benefits.

We have decades of experience representing injured workers and a winning track record. We take a personalized approach to every case we handle and will work tirelessly to get an outcome that helps you get your life back on track. Our initial consultations are free, so contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule one with one of our attorneys.

What Causes Workplace Injuries?

Workplace accidents happen for various reasons, and they include but are not limited to:

• Handling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects
• Poor lighting
• Physical and mental stress
• Trips and falls
• Fatigue
• Fall from height
• Being struck or caught in moving machinery
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Faulty machinery
• Acts of violence, etc.

Any of the above can result in a minor or severe injury, like bone fracture, head injury, burn, repetitive stress injuries, spinal cord injuries, strain and sprain, etc. Aside from injuries, workers sometimes develop occupational diseases like silicosis, work-related asthma, noise-induced hearing loss, etc. Whether you sustain a work injury or develop an occupational illness or disorder, you can receive workers’ compensation as long as it is work-related.

Michigan’s Workers’ Compensation Law

Workers’ compensation is a benefit that pays for reasonable and necessary medical care after a work-related illness or injury. Under Michigan law, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have three or more employees or if one employee works over 35 hours per week for 13 weeks or more. Also, agricultural employees must have workers’ comp insurance if they employ three or more employees working 35 hours or more per week for 13 or more consecutive weeks.

Households with domestic servants must carry workers’ compensation insurance if they work 35 hours or more per week for 13 weeks or longer during the preceding 52 weeks. Also, all public employers are to have workers’ comp insurance. The Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency (WDCA) administers and handles workers’ compensation claims, but employers can purchase a policy through private insurance companies.

What Should You Do after a Workplace Injury?

After a workplace injury, do the following:

Report the Injury

Immediately after a workplace accident, notify your supervisor or employer of your injury. They will give you a form to fill out where you detail what led to the accident and the type and severity of your injury. Be as concise as possible, stating what happened.

You don’t have to worry about getting blamed, as the workers’ compensation system is not fault-based. This way, employees get the benefits they need after a work injury or developing an occupational disease, and employers do not have to face lawsuits from their staff.

Get Medical Treatment

Ensure you seek medical treatment for your injury. Under Michigan workers’ comp law, your employer has the right to choose who will provide your medical treatment for the first 28 days following the initial treatment of the injury or illness. You must use an Occupational Health Care Clinic if you work for the state.

You must use the medical provider recommended by your employer or the state within the first 28 days to avoid not having your medical bills paid. However, once the 28 days elapse, you can switch your doctor, but you must inform your employer.

Get an Ann Arbor Workers’ Comp Attorney

Once you’ve commenced treatment, speaking with a workers’ comp lawyer would be wise. If there is no dispute, your employer should typically inform their insurance company of your injury and commence payment of benefits within seven days. However, employers and insurance companies are sometimes reluctant to pay benefits. This is why you should work with an attorney who will watch out for your interest and ensure you are not denied your workers’ compensation.

What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?

Workers’ compensation covers medical bills, lost wages, and vocational services. Here’s how it works:

• If your work-related injury or illness causes you to be off work for less than seven calendar days, your benefits will cover medical expenses only. Your wages will not be covered for the first seven days. You must use sick and annual leave credits to cover your time off work.
• If your work-related injury or illness causes you to be off work more than seven calendar days but less than 15, your benefits will cover your medical expenses and two-thirds of your average weekly wages starting the eighth consecutive day off work. You have to use your sick and annual leave credits to cover the first seven days off work. Your workers’ compensation benefits will begin on your eighth calendar day.
• If your work-related injury or illness causes you to be off work for more than 14 calendar days, benefits will cover your medical expenses and two-thirds of your average weekly wage and retroactively compensate you beginning with your first day off work. Also, any sick and annual leave credits you have used will be reimbursed.

Furthermore, you are entitled to all reasonable medical care, including surgical, hospital, and dental services, crutches, hearing apparatus, chiropractic treatment, and nursing care. These services are provided indefinitely as long as it relates to the injury. Finally, suppose you have a work-related injury or illness that prevents you from performing work for which you have previous training or experience. In that case, you are entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits.

Vocational rehabilitation covers various professional services to help injured workers re-enter the workforce. These services include job placement assistance, retraining support, or guidance in starting a business. Your employer or their insurance carrier pays for vocational rehabilitation services, so in most cases, you must have an open workers’ compensation claim to receive rehabilitation benefits.

Ann Arbor Workers’ Comp Lawyer FAQs

Getting injured on the job may leave you with questions, especially when you don’t know your rights. The following are some of the questions our lawyers frequently encounter:

How much will I receive as workers’ compensation income benefits?

You are entitled to 80% of your average weekly before the work injury. However, you can also choose to accept a lump sum payment but only do so after speaking with your attorney.

What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim gets denied?

If your employer denies your workers’ comp claim, speak with an attorney immediately. Your lawyer will examine the reason for the denial and guide you on the next steps.

When should I contact a workers’ compensation Lawyer?

The best time to call a lawyer is after you get injured and have filed a report with your employer. Your lawyer will help you fight for your benefits and avoid mistakes that can jeopardize receiving your workers’ compensation.

How much does hiring a workers’ comp Attorney in Michigan cost?

In cases where benefits are disputed, workers’ comp lawyers charge 20% of the first $100,000 and 15% of what’s left of any settlement. If the denied benefits are later paid voluntarily, the fees are 30% of the compensation.

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

What Will Our Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Ann Arbor Do for You?

Recovering from an injury alone and dealing with your employer and insurer to get your benefits can be difficult. Therefore, we take the weight off you and handle your case from start to finish. We will answer your questions, communicate with your employer and their insurer on your behalf, and ensure you file all the necessary forms before the deadlines. If your claim gets denied, our legal team will navigate the appeal process and fight to secure a favorable outcome.

We Are Here for You!

If you or a loved one sustained work-related injuries, our Goodman Acker, P.C., team can help you. We will help you file a comprehensive claim and represent your interests throughout the workers’ comp process. We understand the ins and outs of the workers’ comp system and keep going until we get a favorable outcome. Call us at 248-286-8100 to book a free case review.

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 ]