Opposing viewpoints

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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.

No case is black or white and why the magistrate assigned to your case matters.

5621821439_ee898c76ba_mOur attorneys spend most of their mornings in court. Each day is a new scheduling conference, facilitation, redemption, or trial. We have over 100 years in combined legal experience.

My personal favorite type of hearing is a facilitation. This gives both sides an opportunity to test their case without risking a formal trial. A neutral magistrate will hear arguments from both sides and come up with a dollar amount to resolve the case. Neither party must accept but it gets both sides thinking about settlement.

I had the pleasure of facilitating a case before two magistrates last week. It was fascinating because each had a different opinion about how Michigan law applied to a particular set of facts. The issue was ultimately decided in my client’s favor and this will have a positive impact on settlement.

Each magistrate brings his or her own personal biases to the job. Some have defense backgrounds while others have spent their careers representing injured workers. This worldview can affect how a case is decided. It is not intentional but it does happen.

A magistrate has the authority to order continuing benefits under an open award. He or she can order payment of benefits for a closed period. The magistrate can also deny benefits outright.

Knowing how a particular magistrate views certain issues can make a big difference at facilitation or trial. Some magistrates require an extensive job search before giving an open award. Other magistrates are more likely to accept defense medical examinations. Having an experienced lawyer on your side will ensure that you get a fair result.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Magistrate disposition statistics for 2014

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Vectorportal.

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.