Michigan workers comp lawyer breaks down possible options to help your prepare for the future.
Contrary to what some people believe, workers comp is not a lifestyle choice. Wage loss benefits are capped and represent only a fraction of what an individual was earning. The majority of people simply want to recover from injury and get back to work. This is especially true when someone is living paycheck to paycheck and trying to support his or her family.
The purpose of workers comp is to provide medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and lost wages. This is to help you get back to gainful employment. It is not a retirement plan and benefits can be stopped if other work is available.
While workers comp is being paid, you have several options to consider. Here is some helpful information to help you prepare for the future.
Return to unrestricted work
The vast majority of people recover from injury and return to unrestricted work. This is truly the best result for most individuals. Only a small percentage receive workers comp benefits on a long-term basis.
It is a good idea to keep an open line of communication with your employer as to when you can return to work. Make sure to provide any documentation that is needed to maintain your employment.
There is no reason to have a contentious relationship with your employer unless your workers comp benefits are unfairly stopped.
Find a new job within your restrictions
Some individuals find themselves with permanent restrictions. They are unable to return to their former job but could do something else if retrained. This presents the ideal situation for vocational rehabilitation.
Some employers and insurance companies do not always have your best interests at heart. They will use vocational rehabilitation to unfairly stop your workers comp benefits.
Even worse is the Stokes evaluation or the wage earning capacity assessment. This is when you are told that other work exists but it is not actually offered.
Workers comp settlement
Sometimes it is in your best interest to settle your workers comp claim. The major advantage to settlement is that you receive a lump sum cash payment instead of weekly checks.
Settlement allows you to do your own medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation without interference from the insurance company or your employer. You may also want to start a business or find a new job on your own.
We are here to help with your workers comp claim. To speak with one of our workers comp lawyers, 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
Injured On The Job: A Guide to Michigan Workers’ Compensation Law (Free Book)
