Workers Compensation in Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids, MI workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
A report from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration says a business needs $200,000 to recover from a $10,000 accident. The unfortunate truth is that the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity shows 104,800 reports in its latest publication. Out of the 105,200 manufacturing workers in Grand Rapids, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that 4.2 out of every 100 got injured or fell ill. So, no matter where you work in Kent County, you should learn about workers comp.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Grand Rapids, 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.
Unless exemptions apply, your employer in Grand Rapids must carry a workers’ compensation policy. Independent contractors, agricultural workers, and housekeepers may want to consult an attorney about their status. While most states only pay up to ⅔ of your average salary for the last year, the State of Michigan pays up to 90% of your average pay per week. You will also have medical coverage for your injury or illness, rehabilitation services, death benefits, and lost wages.
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 Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids, 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 haven’t already done so, notify your employer about your injury or illness. A business in Grand Rapids, MI has seven days to complete a First Report of Injury or Illness for the state. A two-year statute of limitations applies to prior incidents. Once approved, the 2021 weekly wage chart from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity says the minimum weekly amount is $270.83 for lost wages.
Timeline and Other Information
If an employer in Grand Rapids, MI doesn’t contest your claim, payments should start on the eighth day of being off work due to an injury or illness. If an organization challenges your assertions, the timeline changes dramatically. A redemption hearing to determine a settlement will occur and a magistrate will decide whether to approve or deny your benefits. Payments should begin fifteen days after winning that process. But, they can start faster if you reach an agreement.
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. Typically about the incident and to 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Grand Rapids, 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!
