What Should I Expect During My Workers Compensation Case?

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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 we pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust, and responsiveness.

Read About the Stages of a Work Comp Lawsuit, And How a Lawyer Can Speed Up the Process


We find that our clients are more comfortable with the legal process when they know what to expect. Below you can read about each phase of a workers’ compensation case in Michigan and what your lawyer can do to speed up the process.


To speak with a workers’ comp attorney today, call us at (844) 345-0952, or you can fill out our consultation form. The call and the advice are free, and we’re always here to answer all of your questions.


File a workers’ compensation case


Insurance companies are counting on the fact that most people will not fight a bad decision. We believe that you should challenge any decision that unfairly denies your workers’ compensation benefits. A workers comp attorney can do this for you. After your workers’ comp attorney files a case, you must take part in several hearings that will determine whether or not you can receive workers’ compensation.


Preparing for trial


The best way to win your workers’ compensation case is to be prepared for trial. An employer or its insurance company will only pay a fair settlement if they know you are serious. Outlined below are the important hearings that you should know about to protect your legal rights.


Pretrial


You will receive a notice of pretrial a few weeks after your workers’ compensation case is filed. If you are represented by a workers comp attorney, you do not need to attend the pretrial hearing. The magistrate assigned to your case will take no action other than setting a new hearing date.


Mediation


Some workers’ compensation cases will not be set for pretrial, but will be scheduled for mediation. This usually occurs when the issues in the case appear to involve only medical benefits or a small amount of wage loss benefits. Mediation is an informal process where a state facilitator will attempt to bring the parties together in the hopes of resolving their differences. If mediation is not successful, the case will be assigned to a magistrate for further action.


Control date


A control date is a type of hearing where both parties to a workers’ compensation case appear in court with the magistrate to ensure that all medical has been exchanged and that the case is moving toward resolution. Control dates happen every 60 days and several are needed before a magistrate will set a firm trial date. These hearings are very important because they give both sides the opportunity to develop the issues and discuss resolution.


Facilitation


Most workers’ compensation cases must go through facilitation before trial can begin. Facilitation gives both sides the opportunity to informally present their arguments to another magistrate who will not be deciding the case. The magistrate will attempt to come up with a dollar amount for settlement. Many workers’ compensation cases are resolved through facilitation, but neither side has to accept the amount suggested by the magistrate.


Trial


This is a formal hearing before a magistrate who will hear evidence and make a determination as to the facts and law. Witness testimony will be taken under oath and is always recorded. Other evidence submitted at trial includes medical records and deposition testimony from doctors and vocational experts. Trial can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Even if your case is scheduled for trial on a specific day, the magistrate may order the parties to come back on another day.


A workers’ compensation magistrate can only award workers’ compensation benefits. You will not receive compensation for pain and suffering or any punitive damages. Most open awards are appealed. This process takes years and you might be required to come back to court for additional testimony. You will only receive 70 percent of your current weekly benefits while your case is on appeal. All current reasonable and necessary medical expenses will be paid.


Here’s more information on what Michigan workers’ compensation will pay if you win.


Redemption


If you decide to settle your workers’ compensation case, it must be approved by a magistrate at a redemption hearing. The magistrate will be given a brief explanation as to why the case is being settled. The magistrate will also want to hear that you understand what benefits are being given up as part of the settlement.


Speeding Up Your Case


There are some ways to speed up resolution of a workers’ compensation case in Michigan. There is a provision in the law that allows for an immediate trial if you were receiving wage loss benefits and they were terminated within the last 60 days. An experienced workers comp attorney can use this fact to put pressure on the insurance company to settle the case quickly or resume benefits voluntarily.
You can also ask that your case be put into facilitation at any point. A magistrate will be asked to try to bring both sides together. This process usually results in settlement and is much faster than waiting for a workers’ compensation trial.


Have Questions About Your Michigan Workers’ Compensation Case?


To speak with one of our attorneys today, call us at (844) 345-0952, or fill out our free contact form.


We have been protecting injured workers like you for more than 40 years. Our workers’ comp attorneys can get you all of the workers’ comp benefits you’re entitled to, and we will do everything it takes to speed up your case — so you can focus on recovering.

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.