Michigan workers comp lawyer shows the reality of returning to work with a serious injury.
Individuals on workers comp face many challenges. One of the most difficult is the stigma that comes with not being able to work. We frequently hear our clients criticized for being lazy and trying to scam the system.
The truth is that most of these critics have never experienced a serious work injury and have no idea how difficult it is to return to work. The only thing they know about workers comp is what they hear from special interest groups who want to eliminate benefits. Time for a reality check.
Here is a great video from the Detroit Free Press showing assembly line workers being trained for a job with GM. It's not easy work and trying to keep pace without an injury is hard enough.
Don't believe the hype
Most of our clients just want to recover from their work injury and get back to full-time employment. The reason for this is simple. Workers comp only pays a fraction of their salary. The average worker can expect about 60% of their pre-injury wages to be paid while they are totally disabled. If they are only partially disabled but still can't do their job, they will receive even less. Try supporting your family with a minimum 40% loss of income.Chronic pain
Pain is a complicated medical issue. There is no magic test to show what a person is feeling and if they are really disabled. Everyone reacts differently to pain symptoms. Employers and insurance companies frequently disregard complaints of pain and send people back to work prematurely. Even against the treating doctors wishes. Just because you see a neighbor taking out the garbage does not mean that their workers comp claim is illegitimate. There is a big difference between doing household chores and being able to work 40+ hours per week in a factory.Permanent restrictions
When a work injury results in permanent restrictions, it can be very hard to get back to regular work. Many of our clients have been doing heavy work for their entire careers and must somehow transition to a sit-down job. This can be extremely difficult and may require vocational retraining.Help is available
We understand the difficult challenges that a work injury can present and want you to know that you are not alone. We will stand up for your legal rights and hold your employer accountable. To speak with one of our workers comp lawyers in Michigan, call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation. There is never a fee unless you receive workers comp benefits or a lump sum settlement. - 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 comp benefits and never charges a fee to review a case. Related information: Injured On The Job: A Guide to Michigan Workers' Compensation Law (FREE BOOK) FAQs about workers compensation to help protect you - Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by wayne's eye view.05/01/2012
