5 tips to protect workers compensation benefits

Call now for a free consultation
Available 24/7

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.

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.

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. He’s 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

08/01/2011
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

Related Blog Posts

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.