Workers Compensation in Lansing, 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 Lansing, Michigan workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Lansing, Michigan?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collected reports of over 86,000 work-related injuries in Michigan in 2019 alone. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that 249,686 people made up the civilian workforce in the city that year. The most significant employers include education and health-related organizations. Unfortunately, 19,600  people with jobs in this sector of the economy suffered an occupational illness or injury.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Lansing, 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. 

Most employers in Lansing have a legal obligation to carry workers’ compensation insurances. Federal employees, agricultural workers, and independent contractors may not have to buy policies. To compensate you for time away from work, you receive cash payments based on 90% of your annual salary. In addition, your medical bills related to the injury or illness become covered by the state. If necessary, you can also take advantage of vocational rehabilitation services free of charge.

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 Lansing, Michigan 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 Lansing, Michigan 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.

You have 7 days after becoming aware of a work-related illness or injury to submit a First Report of Injury to the state. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may acknowledge incidents that occurred up to two years prior. After that statute of limitations has passed, you will no longer be eligible for benefits in Lansing.

Timeline and Other Information

A 7-day waiting period applies before you receive workers’ compensation benefits in Lansing. If your injury or illness takes longer to recover, you receive cash for this time in a subsequent payment. For temporary disability, the time limit is 3 years. If you believe that your injuries will persist, consider applying for permanent disability with your attorney’s help.

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 Lansing, Michigan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Lansing, 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 Lansingworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Lansing, Michigan

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Lansing, Michigan 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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