How technology is changing workers compensation and what this means for your potential case.
Our law firm has over 100 years of combined experience in Michigan workers compensation cases. We have seen major changes over the years including how people perform their jobs and advancements in medicine.
We have watched the pendulum swing from a moderate interpretation of the Act to a much more rigid and conservative reading. This transformation has resulted in a loss of benefits for Michigan workers and their families.
Advancements in technology have also changed how cases are handled. Here are some ways the Internet could affect your workers compensation benefits.
Social Media
Insurance companies have been following claimants for years. The Internet is simply a new frontier in fraud investigation.
Facebook and other social media websites are scoured looking for any evidence that a claim might not be legitimate. The problem is that adjusters are using this information out of context to make snap claims decisions.
We tell all of our clients to stay off Facebook and Twitter while their case is pending. It is simply not worth the risk.
Searching for work
A major trend in Michigan workers compensation is the rise of vocational testimony. The reason for this is because insurance companies can reduce or eliminate the payment of wage loss benefits if a person has a residual wage earning capacity.
Vocational experts tell us that the vast majority of new jobs are posted online. Our clients must apply for these jobs or face losing their benefits.
This means that a claimant is forced to search for work using a technology that he or she might never have used before.
Information overload
There is a wealth of information about almost any topic on the Internet. This includes workers compensation and related issues.
Some individuals try to solve their own legal problems with just online research. This is a bad idea because every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
An experienced workers compensation lawyer will discuss your case for free. You should only pay a fee if you are successful in recovering benefits.
Communicating with your lawyer
The first step is always the most difficult. You can find out your legal rights by simply picking up the telephone or sending an e-mail.
Insurance companies are betting that you just accept their notice of dispute. Prove them wrong.
To speak with one of our Michigan workers compensation 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
– Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by nrkbeta.
