Post Injury Wage Earning Capacity (PIWEC)

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You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and we pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust, and responsiveness.

Workers Compensation Agency enters new era of “partial disability” with revised payment form and calculation program.

We have written a great deal about workers compensation reform and the bad effects it has had on our clients. The worst being partial disability based upon a person’s “wage earning capacity.”

Think of wage earning capacity as your ability to earn wages in another job. The problem is that the insurance company makes this calculation. It does not matter whether you are earning real wages or if you are having trouble finding a new job.

The insurance company wants to find that you can work somewhere else. This means wage loss benefits can be stopped and the insurance company can make more profit.

Agency response to changes in the law

The Agency has now revised its Notice of Compensation Payments form to include a rate adjustment for PIWEC. This form must be filled out whenever benefits are paid under workers compensation.

The Agency has also updated its calculation program to include a capability to deal with PIWEC.

While these administrative changes are necessary, we think insurance companies will now say that everyone is partially disabled. Welcome to the new normal!

Partial disability and workers compensation

We have already seen some ridiculous excuses from self-insured employers and insurance companies.

One local hospital refuses to bring our client back to work and has cut her benefits saying she could get hired somewhere else. Over 50 resumes later and still no job. In the meantime, our client suffers.

Another client had his wage loss benefits stopped because the insurance company says he can work in a job never performed before. The job listing requires two years of experience but the insurance company disregards this fact.

How our law firm can help

If your wage loss benefits have been reduced or stopped, this decision should be challenged in court. You can present evidence as to a job search to show that no work is available. You can also hire your own vocational expert to testify against the insurance company.

To speak with one of our workers compensation lawyers in Michigan, call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation.

Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. He’s been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers comp benefits and never charges a fee to review a case.

Related information:

VIDEO: Injured at work? Advice from a Michigan workers comp lawyer

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by photosteve101.

01/01/2013

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.