Workers Compensation in Detroit, MI

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Michigan state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Detroit, MI workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Detroit, Michigan?

Detroit has some of the highest numbers of workers in the transportation, trade, and utility industries. 17.9% of residents work in transportation, trade, and utilities based on data from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The unfortunate news is that 3.1 out of 100 of those individuals reported occupational injuries or illnesses to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Detroit, Michigan?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

Every employer in Detroit, MI must carry workers’ compensation to comply with state law. Some exemptions exist for farm laborers, household workers, and independent contractors. If the claims process goes smoothly, weekly reimbursements begin after a seven-day waiting period. Under normal circumstances, you receive up to 90% of your average weekly salary. If an appeals process is necessary for your claim, you receive 70% until the final ruling.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Detroit, MI are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Detroit, MI healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

If you have an injury from working in Detroit, MI, you have two years from the incident to seek reimbursement. After a doctor has treated your illness or injury, ask for a note and notify your employer in writing. Local businesses must file a First Report of Injury or Illness with the state within seven days of learning about your situation. The least amount anyone can receive after approval is $270.83, but your average earnings for the last year determines your actual payments.

Timeline and Other Information

A company may contest your claim, but it’s worth knowing the response times dictated by the law in Detroit. If an employer wants to deny your assertions, they have ten days to send a letter to the state. That will escalate to a redemption hearing where a magistrate will either approve or deny your benefits based on their findings. Assuming that a ruling goes in your favor, payments begin within fifteen days, unless you reach an alternate agreement. Under normal circumstances, you receive payments starting on the eighth day after the state accepts your claim.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Detroit, Michigan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Detroit, Michigan, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Detroit workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Detroit, Michigan

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Detroit, MI you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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