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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.

Five ways to restore fairness and improve our Michigan workers’ compensation system.

Michigan underwent significant workers’ compensation reforms in 2011. This has resulted in more litigation and less benefits. We are still feeling these changes today. Here are five simple ways to restore fairness and improve our broken system.

1. Treating physician rule

Most of our clients find their workers’ compensation benefits stopped after the so called “independent” medical examination. Insurance companies use the same doctors over and over again because they know what to expect. These examinations usually take less than fifteen minutes and more time is spent writing a negative report. We need a rule that puts emphasis on medical opinions from treating doctors.

2. End phantom wages

The insurance company gets a credit for jobs in a labor market survey created by their own vocational expert. It does not matter whether a disabled employee is actually earning real wages. This has resulted in some individuals receiving less than $20 per week. Let’s end the abusive practice of “phantom wages.”

3. Expanded 70% rule

Disabled employees who win their cases at trial are entitled to 70% of benefits during appeal. We should expand this rule so individuals with pending claims can also support their families. Benefits should be temporarily reinstated once an Application for Mediation or Hearing is filed.

4. Harsher penalties

Employers who misclassify workers or intentionally avoid paying benefits should be penalized. There must also be consequence for insurance companies who act in bad faith. Magistrates should be given expanded authority to order payment of attorney fees when appropriate.

5. Fix small claims process

Many employees are unable to find a lawyer because their cases involve a relatively small amount. Claims for medical bills or lost time less than $2,500 should be decided without formal proofs. A summary proceeding can be held over the telephone. This ensures small claims do not fall through the cracks.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Who pays for a 28% reduction in premiums?

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Joe Gratz.

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

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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 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.