Need another category? Click here or call us at (866) 345-6784.

Workers Compensation in Michigan

One unexpected accident at work can change everything. You’re suddenly facing medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of how long your recovery will take. It’s a stressful situation—one that no worker should have to face alone.

However, obtaining workers’ compensation benefits isn’t always easy. Employers and insurance companies may challenge claims, delay payments, or minimize the severity of injuries. Understanding your rights and the claims process is critical to ensuring you receive the support you need.

This guide outlines how Michigan’s workers’ compensation system works, and how an attorney can help you navigate the process.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Michigan?

Thousands of Michigan workers suffer job-related injuries and illnesses each year. In 2023, private-sector employers in the state reported approximately 88,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, with an incidence rate of 2.7 cases per 100 full-time employees—slightly higher than the national average.

Some industries in Michigan report higher injury rates than others:

  • Manufacturing: With an injury rate of 3.9 per 100 workers, common hazards include repetitive motion injuries, heavy machinery accidents, and exposure to harmful substances.
  • Construction: Known for its high-risk environment, this sector sees frequent injuries from falls, electrocutions, and equipment-related accidents.
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: With an incidence rate of 4.2 per 100 employees, injuries often result from lifting patients, exposure to infectious diseases, and repetitive tasks.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Michigan?

Michigan’s workers’ compensation system ensures that employees injured on the job receive necessary medical care and financial support while they recover. To qualify, the injury must have occurred during the course of employment or as a direct result of job duties.

Michigan requires most employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. It’s crucial to know that exemptions exist for agriculture employers, households with housekeepers, independent contractors, and all public employees.

Reimbursements include paying for medical bills for physical and psychological injuries, lost wages, rehabilitation services, and death benefits. The state provides up to 90% of an individual’s average weekly salary while on workers’ compensation.

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

Get Medical Attention

Your health should be your top priority after a workplace injury. Seeking medical care as soon as possible not only ensures proper treatment but also creates a medical record linking your injury to your job—a crucial element in a workers’ compensation claim.

In Michigan, your employer has the right to choose your healthcare provider for the first 28 days of treatment. After that, you may select your own doctor, but you must notify your employer and their insurance company before making the switch.

Even if your injury appears minor, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some conditions, such as repetitive motion disorders or internal injuries, may develop over time and worsen if left untreated.

Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, prescriptions, and treatments. These documents will be critical if your claim is challenged or if you need long-term benefits.

Generally, your doctor determines if the illness happened because of your work conditions or became aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

Once you have received medical attention, notifying your employer is the next essential step. Michigan law requires workers to report their injury within 90 days of the incident, but the sooner you do so, the better. Delays can complicate the claims process and result in payment delays.

Your employer is responsible for filing a Form WC-100 (Employer’s Basic Report of Injury) with their insurance carrier and the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency (WCA). This report should include:

  • The date, time, and location of the injury.
  • A description of how the incident occurred.
  • Information about the medical treatment received.

In Michigan, there is a mandatory seven-day waiting period before beneficiaries can begin receiving payments. While payments may continue as long as your disability lasts, severe injuries might warrant exploring an application for permanent disability benefits.

Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Although Michigan’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured workers, disputes frequently arise. Insurance companies may deny claims, minimize benefits, or delay payments, leaving injured employees without the financial assistance they need.

A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you:

  1. File and manage your claim correctly to prevent errors that could delay your benefits.
  2. Negotiate with insurance providers to secure full medical and wage loss benefits.
  3. Challenge claim denials and represent you in hearings before the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency.
  4. Advocate for additional compensation if you have a permanent disability or need vocational rehabilitation.

If your claim is denied, having an attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful appeal.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Michigan

Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.

We can connect you with a local attorney or one across Michigan state lines.

Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.

Answers to legal questions can often lead to more questions. If you’re seeking more about an area of law in Michigan, we’ve got you covered.

Auto Accident Injury

Bankruptcy

Business Law

Child Birth Injury

Child Custody

Child Support

Consumer Law

Copyright Law

Criminal Defense

Debt Collector Harassment

Divorce Law

DUI Law

Employment Law

Eviction Law

Foreclosure Defense

Identity Theft

Immigration Law

Insurance Claims

Lemon Law

Medical Malpractice

Nursing Home Abuse

Patent Law

Personal Injury Law

Power of Attorney

Probate Law

Property Disputes

Real Estate Law

Social Security Disability

Tax Law

Traffic Law

Vaccination Injury

Workplace Discrimination

Wrongful Termination

Wills and Trusts

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.