Notice Of Dispute From Workers’ Comp: What Does It Mean

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Michigan lawyer explains what happens when the insurance company disputes workers’ comp benefits in Michigan.

Notice Of Dispute From Workers' Comp: What Does It Mean

We routinely get telephone calls from individuals hurt on-the-job in Michigan who have received a Notice of Dispute. This is a state form that must be sent to employees when their workers’ comp benefits have been stopped or denied. It has several generic boxes that can be checked indicating the reason.

Insurance companies dispute workers’ comp claims for all kinds of dumb reasons. It can be based upon late reporting, preexisting medical conditions, or employee misconduct. Many people get this notice after the independent medical examination (IME) has been completed. Some of our clients never get a reason and it lists “pending investigation.”

The reason for receiving this notice does not matter in the grand scheme. Insurance companies use it as a jumping off point to fight a workers’ comp claim. The result is going to be financial hardship and difficulty getting medical bills paid. Many people live paycheck-to-paycheck and missing even one check can be a disaster.

Notice of Dispute – Wage Loss Benefits

Michigan workers’ comp law protects employees hurt on-the-job. It requires payment of wage loss benefits equal to 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage. This calculation should include overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs. Wage loss benefits are paid weekly and continue for the length of disability. It is a safety-net for employees who cannot work.

Unfortunately, an insurance company can file a Notice of Dispute in Michigan at any time. This means weekly checks stop. The burden is on the disabled employee to file an Application for Mediation or Hearing and prove entitlement. It will be up to a magistrate to determine if wage loss benefits should be paid.

Watch out for insurance companies who reduce weekly checks based upon post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC). This means the insurance company has found work based upon a labor market survey. These are biased reports and usually reference jobs that are unattainable or do not exist.

Notice of Dispute – Medical Bills

Michigan workers’ comp law also requires payment of medical bills. There should never be any copayments or deductibles owed by the employee. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be covered 100%. This includes durable medical equipment, attendant care, and even home modifications. The employee has a right to select his or her own doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care.

Insurance companies use defense medical examiners to say a person has fully recovered or they are suffering from an unrelated medical condition. The Notice of Dispute will indicate that medical bills will no longer be paid. These biased medical opinions should be challenged. Evidence from a treating doctor can be used to show that payment of medical bills should continue.

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 (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Workers’ Comp Not Sending Checks: Now What Do I Do?

Notice Of Dispute From Workers\' Comp: What Does It Mean
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.

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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.