What issues to watch in 2018

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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’ comp issues to watch in 2018 and why the deck seems stacked against injured employees.

We are always looking out for our clients. This includes watching trends and developing strategies to deal with insurance company abuse. It seems like the deck is getting even more stacked against people hurt at work. Here are three issues to watch in 2018.

1. Cheaper workers’ comp premiums

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has announced the pure premium advisory rate for workers’ comp insurance will drop by an average of 9.3% for 2018. Michigan employers have saved $446 million thanks to a 45% reduction since 2011. These cost savings do not happen in a vacuum and people hurt on-the-job are getting less benefits.

2. More restrictions on opioids

Opioids have been a hot topic in workers’ comp for several years. WCA rules prohibit reimbursements for prescriptions beyond 90 days unless detailed physician reporting requirements and other strict processes are met. Present Trump has even declared a public health emergency and additional federal regulations are sure to follow. Unfortunately, we are seeing insurance companies latch on to this crisis and stop paying for opioid treatment entirely.

3. Post-injury wage earning capacity

Post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC) is a big problem in workers’ comp. This is when the insurance company says a disabled employee can find another job and uses “phantom wages” to reduce weekly checks. We expect this defense to be raised much more frequently in 2018.

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) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Injured at work? Advice from a Michigan workers’ comp lawyer

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.