- May 5, 2015
- Personal Injury
- Workers Compensation
You may already know about Michigan workers’ compensation if you are a Michigan worker. The system covers medical costs and provides wage replacement benefits to injured workers. But workers’ compensation is a complex program, and there are many aspects you may never have heard of.So, in this blog, we will cover five facts you need to know about Michigan’s workers’ compensation. If you suffer a work injury and need legal representation, contact our workers’ compensation lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. Call us at 248-286-8100 to book a free case review.
Why Should You Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
Our workers’ compensation attorneys at Goodman Acker are dedicated and ethical, with years of experience helping injured Michigan workers. We will carefully study your case and guide you through the steps necessary to get a favorable outcome. Our focus is ensuring you get the workers’ comp benefits you require to continue living your life.
At Goodman Acker P.C., we commit our resources to representing your interests and fighting to protect your rights.
As a result, we will advise you of your rights and ensure that your employer and insurer do not infringe on them. Our initial consultation is free, so you don’t have to worry about consultation fees. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free consultation.
Five Facts Every Michigan Worker Should Know About Workers’ Compensation
Here are five facts about workers’ compensation that are important for workers to know:
1. Workers’ Compensation Covers More Than Physical Injuries.
You may that assume workers’ comp is available only if you are physically hurt in a workplace accident. But illnesses and psychological injuries are also potentially compensable in Michigan. You may be eligible for benefits if exposed to a toxic chemical that makes you ill. You also could receive benefits for psychological injuries caused by stress or trauma on the job.
Some of the work-related illnesses covered by Michigan’s workers’ comp are:
- Back Pain
- Hearing loss
- Skin disorders and infections
- Respiratory diseases
- Lead poisoning
- Silica and dust diseases, etc.
If a pre-existing condition like a heart condition or arthritis gets worsened by your job role or work environment, you might be able to get benefits. But first, you must establish that your work made the illness worse.
2. You Have a Right to Information About Your Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage.
You have a right to know if your employer has workers’ compensation coverage and who the carrier is. Your employer should post this information or provide it when you ask. However, you can also look up the information on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website or call the state’s Insurance Compliance Division at 571-284-8922.
3. You Have a Right to Request a New Nurse Case Manager.
A nurse case manager is someone hired by the insurance company to work with an injured worker and liaise between them and the insurance company. In most cases, the nurse case manager is a registered nurse with experience in the health care industry.
Sometimes, there is a conflict of interest when dealing with a nurse case manager, as they might take the insurance company's side.
If you are unhappy with the nurse case manager assigned to you or believe they are conflicted, you may request a new one. Alternatively, inform the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency that you wish only partial further case management services. Contact our workers’ compensation lawyers if a nurse case manager violates your rights.
4. You Have a Right To Select Your Doctor After the First 28 Days.
Although your employer or their insurance carrier has a right to select your doctor initially, you can change to the doctor one you choose after the first 28 days of care. You must notify your employer of the change and provide contact information for your new doctor.
Also, you must provide your treatment record to your employer. Changing your doctor does not mean you will handle the medical treatment costs. Your employer will still pay for covered work-related injuries and illnesses. If they refuse to because you changed your doctor, contact us immediately.
5. You Have the Right to Appeal a Denial.
If your workers’ compensation benefits claim is denied, you can appeal. A workers’ compensation claim may go through several stages of appeal. However, getting a claim approved becomes more complicated with each successive appeal level.
To appeal a workers’ compensation claim denial in Michigan, file an Application for Mediation or Hearing (Form WC-104C). Once filed, a magistrate will be assigned to your case and be responsible for deciding facts and law. If you disagree with the magistrate’s ruling, you have 30 days to appeal to the Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission.
Five Facts to Know About Michigan Workers’ Compensation FAQs
Injured workers always ask if they will receive compensation if they take specific actions. Below are some of the questions we get.
Can I Receive Workers’ Comp If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
Yes, you can if a work injury or the environment worsens the pre-existing condition. But first, you must show how the injury aggravated or worsened the condition.
Will Changing My Doctor Affect My Workers’ Comp Case?
No. Changing your doctor will not affect your workers’ compensation case if you do so after 28 days. Also, you must inform your employer of the change and provide them with your medical report.
What Happens If I Do Not Appeal a Denied Claim?
If you do not appeal a denied claim, you lose your benefit. If you file the appeal out of time, this will also be the case.
What Happens If I Fail to Inform My Employer of My Work Injury or Illness?
Generally, you have 90 days to report a work injury or illness. Missing the timeline will jeopardize your case as your employer’s insurer will be less likely to believe a work condition caused the injury.
Let Goodman Acker P.C. Handle Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you are suffering from a work-related injury or illness, our experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Goodman Acker P.C. can assist you in preparing and filing your claim. If your claim or lawsuit gets denied, we will help you file an appeal and present reasons why your claim should be approved and benefits should be paid. Contact us at 248-286-8100 today to schedule a free consultation.