An injury at work can stop your life in its tracks. Suddenly, you are dealing with physical pain, the stress of medical appointments, and the financial pressure of being unable to earn a paycheck.
The Michigan workers’ compensation system is intended to provide a safety net, but it is often a complex and frustrating process marked by confusing rules and aggressive insurance companies. You don’t have to go through this alone.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., our Lansing workers’ compensation lawyers are here to stand with you. We understand the challenges you face because we have helped countless workers in mid-Michigan secure the benefits they need to rebuild their lives.
Ready to explore your rights and legal options after a workplace injury in Michigan? Contact our Lansing workers’ comp attorneys online or at (616) 333-8302 for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose a Lansing Workers’ Comp Lawyer from Goodman Acker, P.C.?
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we bring a combination of local knowledge, dedicated advocacy, and a commitment to our clients that sets us apart.
Our attorneys have a 99% success rate and will dedicate the time and resources needed for your case.
We have decades of experience representing the interests of injured workers. We will not be intimidated by insurance company tactics or employer pressure. We take on the fight for you, handling all communications and negotiations so you can focus on your health and family.
Our Michigan personal injury law firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees for a workers’ comp lawyer in Lansing. We only receive payment once we successfully recover benefits for you.
With an office in Lansing, we are deeply rooted in the community we serve. We understand the local industries, from manufacturing and construction to healthcare and public service, and the specific risks workers face.
Contact a Lansing workers’ compensation claim lawyer today to learn how we can assist you. Call (616) 333-8302 or message us online to explore your legal rights and options during a free case evaluation.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Lansing Workers’ Comp Claim Denials
Pursuing workers’ compensation benefits in Michigan should be straightforward, but injured workers in Lansing often encounter significant obstacles designed to limit or deny their payments.
Insurance companies and employers often have strategies in place to protect their bottom line, which can leave you without the support you need. A Lansing workers’ comp attorney from our firm is prepared to counter these challenges.
During a free consultation, we can discuss the specific issues in your case, which may include:
- Denied claims: Insurance companies may deny a claim for many reasons, such as claiming the injury was not work-related or that you missed a deadline. We investigate the denial, gather the necessary evidence, and file an appeal to fight for your benefits.
- Delayed benefit payments: Late or inconsistent wage loss checks can create immense financial strain. We intervene to hold the insurance carrier accountable and push for the timely payment of your wage loss benefits under Michigan workers’ compensation.
- Disputes over medical treatment: We advocate for your right to receive the proper medical treatment through Michigan’s workers’ compensation system.
- Low settlement offers: An insurance adjuster may offer a quick, lowball workers’ comp settlement in Lansing that does not cover your future medical needs or lost wages. Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating a workers’ compensation settlement in Lansing that reflects the true value of your claim.
- Employer retaliation: You might fear losing your job if you file a workers’ compensation claim in Lansing. We protect you from employer retaliation for a workers’ comp claim in Lansing, as Michigan law prohibits employers from firing or discriminating against you for exercising your rights.
- Pressure to return to work too soon: Your employer may push you to return to work before you are medically ready. We work closely with your doctors to ensure that your work restrictions are respected and that you are not forced back into a position that could exacerbate your injury.
Facing these logistical and legal issues alone can jeopardize your ability to receive the benefits you may be eligible for under the law.
Our Lansing work injury lawyers manage these complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
Eligibility for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Lansing, MI
Michigan law is designed to cover most employees, but understanding the specific requirements is key to recovering the maximum benefits that may be available in your case.
During a free consultation, a Lansing workers’ comp attorney from our firm will review the details of your situation. Common eligibility considerations include:
- Were you an employee? Michigan’s Workers’ Disability Compensation Act (WDCA), covers most employees. Independent contractors are typically not eligible for benefits. We can assess your employment status or any misclassification of it and help clarify your rights under the law.
- Did the injury happen at work? Your injury must arise out of and in the course of your employment. This includes injuries at your primary job site in Lansing, as well as those that occur while traveling for work or running work-related errands.
- Did you report the injury on time? Michigan law has strict requirements for reporting work injuries. You must notify your employer of your injury within 90 days of its occurrence or discovery.
- Did you file your claim within the deadline? The statute of limitations for a Michigan workers’ compensation claim is generally two years from the date of injury. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from receiving benefits.
Do not assume you are not eligible for benefits without speaking to a lawyer for injured workers in Lansing. We can evaluate the specifics of your incident, assist you in filing a workers’ compensation claim in Lansing, and build a case to secure the benefits you need.
Types of Work Injury Cases We Handle in Lansing, MI
Workplace injuries can occur in any industry and result in a wide range of physical conditions. We provide legal representation for injured workers in Lansing who have suffered from:
- Construction and factory injuries: Cases involving falls from heights, machinery accidents, and crush injuries are common on construction sites and in factories around Lansing. A construction accident workers’ compensation lawyer in Lansing can help navigate these complex claims.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Many jobs involve repetitive motions that lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. A repetitive stress injury workers’ comp claim in Lansing can be challenging to prove without strong medical evidence, which our firm helps gather.
- Back and neck injuries: Lifting heavy objects or suffering a slip and fall can cause debilitating back and neck injuries at work in Lansing. These often require extensive medical treatment and can result in long-term disability.
- Head and brain injuries: A blow to the head can result in a head injury or concussion at work in Lansing, with lasting cognitive and physical effects. We work to document the full impact of these injuries.
- Occupational diseases: Long-term exposure to hazardous substances can lead to severe illnesses. An occupational disease workers’ comp claim in Lansing may cover conditions like lung disease, hearing loss, or cancer caused by an exposure-related illness at work.
Our Lansing workers’ compensation law firm is prepared to help. We understand the unique challenges associated with different types of workplace accident injuries and how to fight back against insurers who refuse to pay what you may be owed under the law.
Lansing Workers’ Comp Benefits We Fight For At Goodman Acker, P.C.
Michigan’s system provides several types of benefits designed to cover your losses and help you through your recovery. However, insurance companies often try to limit these payments.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we help Lansing workers pursue the full range of workers’ compensation benefits in Lansing, Michigan, including:
- Wage loss benefits: If your injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you are entitled to wage loss benefits. These are calculated at 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage. Our attorneys ensure that your wages are calculated accurately to maximize your payments.
- Medical treatment: Your employer’s insurance should cover all reasonable and necessary medical care for your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Permanent disability benefits: If your injury results in a permanent disability, you may be eligible for either permanent partial disability benefits in Michigan or permanent total disability benefits in Michigan. We can help establish the extent of your disability.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your old job, you may receive services to help you find new employment. This can include retraining, job placement assistance, or education to prepare you for a different career.
- Third-party claims: Sometimes, a person or company other than your employer is responsible for your injury. An attorney can help pursue third-party claims that fight for settlements not already covered by other avenues of compensation.
Securing these benefits is not always easy. Let our Michigan workers’ compensation attorneys handle the legal process and fight for the financial support you and your family need.
Lansing Workers’ Compensation Lawyer FAQs
How long do I have to report my work injury in Michigan?
You must report your injury to your employer within 90 days of when it happened or when you first discovered it. Failing to meet this deadline can put your benefits at risk. An attorney can help you provide proper notice and protect your claim from the start.
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ comp claim?
Michigan law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing workers’ compensation claims. If you believe you were fired or demoted for seeking benefits, a Lansing workers’ comp attorney can help you take legal action against your employer.
What happens if my workers’ comp claim is denied in Lansing?
A denial is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal a workers’ comp denial in Lansing. The first step is filing an application for a hearing. A lawyer can manage the entire appeals process, from gathering evidence to representing you at a workers’ compensation hearing in Lansing.
Do I have to see the company doctor?
For the first 28 days of treatment, your employer can require you to see a doctor of their choosing. After that period, you have the right to switch to your own physician. Informing your employer in writing is important, and a lawyer can assist with this process.
Can I file a claim for a psychological injury?
Mental health conditions like anxiety or PTSD that arise from a physical work injury or a traumatic event at work may be covered. These claims are complex and require substantial evidence, making the assistance of a legal professional from a Michigan workers’ compensation law firm particularly valuable.
Take Action with a Lansing Workers’ Compensation Attorney From Goodman Acker, P.C.
A work injury can leave you feeling powerless, but you have options. Taking the step to seek legal help for an injured worker in Lansing may be the most effective way for you to secure the benefits owed after a workplace injury in Lansing, Michigan.
The team at Goodman Acker, P.C. is ready to stand by your side, manage the complexities of your case, and advocate for the resources you need to move forward.
Do not let the insurance company dictate the terms of your recovery. Let our experience work for you. Call (616) 333-8302 or message our Lansing workers’ comp attorneys online for a free case evaluation exploring your legal rights and options.
Legal Resources For Lansing Work Accident Injury Claims
Our attorneys have compiled these resources to provide legal insights for those considering or pursuing a workers’ compensation claim in Lansing, Michigan:
- Michigan Catastrophic Injury: What Qualifies?
- Barry Goodman on Fighting Insurance Companies
- Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Deny Claims
Contact us online, and let us safeguard your rights and future.
Goodman Acker P.C. – Grand Rapids Office
1500 E Beltline Ave SE #235
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: (248) 831-1507
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]
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