You might be wary of working with a workers’ comp attorney, but if you’ve suffered a personal injury at work, they are your best bet to get the compensation you deserve. Without their help, you’ll have a much harder time reaching a fair agreement.

When it comes to workers’ compensation, there are many great reasons to hire a workers’ comp attorney from Muskegon. This article will outline why you need a Michigan workers’ compensation attorney while also diving into what they can do for you and your rights as a worker.

Why Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Muskegon

If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a workers’ comp attorney?” then you should keep in mind that you may want to hire a worker’s comp attorney in Muskegon because they will be up to date with the most recent changes to the law in Michigan and methodologies, as well as often provide great results in the courtroom. An injured person probably won’t know how to defend themselves and get a favorable ruling.

Even if you are familiar with worker compensation law, there are probably aspects of it that you don’t fully grasp. While an injured worker is getting paid voluntarily, there is almost always some unprovided benefit that they deserve. That’s where a worker compensation attorney comes in.

If you try to handle things yourself, your company or insurance carrier might take advantage of you. Remember, they will always look to protect their interests. Contact a worker’s compensation attorney if you see the following red flags:

• The company or insurance provider is trying to control the doctors.
• The insurance provider refuses to approve doctor-mandated testing.
• Nobody pays your medical bills, and you haven’t gotten a check for missed wages.
• Your employer or the insurance provider claims that the injury didn’t happen at work or contests your claim.

If you see any of these, it’s time to pick up the phone and contact a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can immediately inform you of your entitled benefits.

What Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Muskegon Do

Filing a worker compensation claim might seem simple, but if you don’t know what kind of rights you have, you won’t know what to claim. Should you claim medical expenses, lost wages, or both? Are there any other benefits?

A workers’ comp lawyer can help you figure those things out. They can also protect your interests if the case goes to court or your employer or insurance provider tries to contest your claim.

Here’s what a workers’ comp lawyer brings to the table:

• They are familiar with the legal procedures involved, including the evidence rules and how to present the case.
• They understand where the burden of proof lies and how it works.
• They know the deadlines for submissions and objections.
• They know accustomed doctors who are familiar with legal cases.
• They can fund your lawsuit for you, charging after you win.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Workers’ Compensation

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health released a study in 2020 that took a look into the most common worker compensation claims made to insurance providers from 2011 to 2018. The top five reasons for claims, based on data supplied by those providers, were:

1. Muscular strain (30.06%)
2. Contusions (20.83%)
3. Lacerations (11.79%)
4. Sprains (8.85%)
5. Punctures (5.50%)

Why Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Important for Business Owners?

Quite simply, the law requires workers’ compensation. Employers in Michigan are required to have workers’ compensation insurance if they have three or more employees at any given time or if one employee works 35 hours or more per week.

Workers’ compensation insurance also helps businesses avoid covering for medical expenses and lost wages. It acts as an effective safety net in the event of accidents in the workplace. 

Michigan Workers’ Compensation Rights

In Michigan, your employer’s insurance should provide you with wage replacement, medical bills coverage, and rehabilitation if you are injured or fall ill because of work. “Fault” is not a factor. If you accept the provisions above right away, you forfeit the right to file a lawsuit against your employer. And you may be limited to specific benefits.

Almost everyone employed to perform services for pay is considered an employee, but there are certain exceptions, such as farmworkers and independent contractors.

Furthermore, the injury must be work-related. For instance, if you have an accident while traveling because of work, you are most likely covered. Everyday commuting to and from work, however, is not. Furthermore, while injuries are covered regardless of culpability, your employer and insurance provider may reject reimbursement if the damage was caused by willful or intentional misconduct.

Here are some of your rights and benefits:

• You are entitled to receive medical care coverage for all your needs, within reason (Sec. 315)
• You should receive payments equal to a percentage of your wages lost due to the injury (Sec. 301(7-9); 351; 361(3))
• You should receive specific compensation in the case of disability (Sec. 361(2))

In case of death, your employer has to pay your surviving dependent(s) the same payments, as well as cover up to $6,000 in funeral expenses (Sec. 321, 345, 415)

Work with a Firm That Cares

If you’ve been injured at work, you need professional legal advice to get the compensation you deserve. It helps when you work with workers’ comp lawyers with a proven track record of success, like Shafer Swartz PLC. Reach out to us by dialing (231) 722-2444 or by using our contact form to get a free consultation for your case.