Michigan workers compensation lawyer lists the top five tips to protect your entitlement to benefits.
1. Give notice and make claim.
Do not assume that your employer will do the right thing after an injury at work. There are certain procedures that must be followed to ensure the receipt of workers compensation benefits.
You must notify your employer of an injury within 90 days. Ask to fill out a company accident report form and keep a copy for your records.
You must also make a claim for benefits within 2 years of your injury. Ask your employer for medical treatment and/or wage loss benefits under workers compensation.
2. See your own doctor as soon as possible.
Employers and insurance companies always want you to use their doctors. This creates a potential conflict of interest. You should select your own doctor for medical treatment.
The medical history must reflect that you suffered an injury at work. It is also important to document any symptoms that are preventing you from working. Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records and make sure that the history is accurate.
3. Hire an experienced workers compensation lawyer sooner rather than later.
Speak with an experienced workers compensation lawyer immediately following an injury. Do not wait until your workers compensation benefits have been cut off to get help.
A good workers compensation lawyer can assist you with minor issues before they turn into major problems. All advice is confidential and your employer does not even need to know that you hired a lawyer.
Even if you are receiving workers compensation, it is a good idea to speak with a lawyer and make sure you are receiving the correct weekly benefits. A good lawyer will not charge you a fee to evaluate your case or to guide you through the workers compensation process.
4. Always cooperate and be nice.
Workers compensation is not always a fair system. You should pick and choose your battles to ensure the continued payment of workers compensation benefits.
You must attend the independent medical examination. Failure to show could result in suspension of your workers compensation benefits. Any bad medical opinion can always be challenged in court.
You should obtain disability slips and supporting medical documentation if required. Do not give your employer or the insurance company any easy way to dispute benefits.
You must also try any favored work offered by your employer. Your wage loss benefits will be forfeited for any period that you refuse reasonable employment.
5. File a workers compensation case if your benefits are disputed.
You have the right to challenge a bad decision in court. Do not suffer in silence when your workers compensation benefits have been unfairly disputed.
The one and two year back rules limit the amount of compensation that you can receive. Do not wait to file your case. You will not be charged a fee unless workers compensation benefits are recovered.
To speak with an experienced workers compensation lawyer, call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation.
– Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. Hes been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.
Related information:
Video: Injured at work? Advice from a Michigan workers comp lawyer
FAQs about workers compensation to help protect you
Workers compensation benefits denied or terminated
