- March 2, 2015
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
Under the Michigan no-fault law, a person injured in a Michigan car accident who is unable to get around their house freely as a result of their injuries may be entitled to home modification benefits from their insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.At the law firm of Goodman Acker, P.C. our auto accident attorneys help victims obtain these benefits on a daily basis. This includes not only those injured as a driver and/or passenger, but any person injured in any type of motor vehicle accident in Michigan, including motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents.
What Are Home Modification Benefits?
Home modification benefits are an allowable medical expense (meaning the auto insurance company is responsible for payment) under the Michigan no-fault law. Home modification benefits are changes to a victim’s home or living space that helps accommodate the victim’s accident-related injuries. Injuries do not just include physical, but any mental or functional limitations that may make it difficult for a person to live in their current living situations.
Examples of home modifications a person may require include a stair lift (pictured above), ramp to enter their home, wider doorways, or renovated bathrooms. In some cases, depending on the seriousness of the injuries, a person’s home may require full renovation or construction of a completely new, modified home.
Is There A Limit To How Much Payment I Can Receive For Home Modifications Benefits?
There is no limit to how much money an auto accident victim is entitled to receive from their no-fault insurance company for their home modification benefits. Payment is determined on what modifications are required and how much they cost. Contractors or architects who are knowledgeable in these types of cases are very useful in determining what can be done to an existing home or apartment to better accommodate you. In addition, many times the contractor or architect will work with your medical provider to design the most appropriate changes necessary.
When Do I Submit My Claim For Home Modifications?
If you or your loved one requires modifications to your home after a Michigan car accident, you need to submit a claim to your insurance company requesting payment. This claim should be submitted as soon as it is determined necessary that modifications will be required.
What Needs to Be Included In My Michigan Home Modification Benefit Claim?
In order to receive payment for these benefits, an Occupational Therapy (OT) evaluation and a prescription form your physician indicating the type of modifications that you need is typically required. In addition, a quote from a contractor of the necessary remodeling work may also be required. Often times, the insurance adjuster may require you to submit two to three quotes from different contractors. You will also have to fill out an application for Michigan no-fault benefits, if you have not already.
You must submit all of these documents to your insurance company.
If you are having difficulty navigating through the system or are unsure of what to submit call our office at (248) 286-8100. Our Michigan no-fault insurance lawyers are happy to answer any of your questions and walk you through the process. Every day we help injured accident victims submit their claim to the insurance companies. We can do the same for you. Call now, there is no obligation or fee to get your questions answered.
What To Do If My Michigan Home Modifications Benefit Claim is Denied?
It is not uncommon for auto accident victims who submit their claim for Michigan home modifications benefits to get denied by their insurance company, or for the insurance company to delay payment, or only agree to pay partial payment for the modifications. If your insurance company refuses to pay, delays payment, or refuses to pay full amount, your only recourse is to file a lawsuit against your auto insurance company. This is called a no-fault lawsuit.
When this happens, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Michigan no-fault insurance lawyer. Insurance companies are notorious for playing tricky tactics and it is important that the attorney you hire to represent you knows how to properly handle your claim and has significant experience negotiating with the insurance companies so that you receive full payment. Having an attorney who has no experience or knowledge of Michigan no-fault law can be very detrimental to your case and may result in you not receiving the maximum payment you deserve, or in fact not receiving these benefits at all.
Get Help From Our Michigan No-Fault Insurance Lawyers Today
At the law firm of Goodman Acker, P.C. our Michigan no-fault insurance lawyers have been handling household modification benefit claims for victims of auto injury accidents for over 30 years. We understand how to navigate through the insurance claims process and how to negotiate with the insurance adjusters so that your case ends with the best result and full payment of modifications and accommodations that you deserve and are entitled to.
There are strict time limitations for filing a claim against the insurance company so it is important you do not wait to get the help you need. Whether you need advice on how to submit a claim, or just have questions regarding your household service benefits, or your household services have been denied and you need to file a lawsuit against your insurance company, call our top rated no-fault insurance lawyers today at (248) 286-8100. We offer a free, no obligation consultation where we will be able to answer all your questions and concerns, and provide the help and advice you need.
Best of all, should you need our representation, our attorneys offer a trusted no-win no-fee promise, which means there are no fees or costs to you until we win or settle your claim. For more information on Michigan household modification benefit claims or to find out how our no-fault insurance attorneys can help you, call now!