Police, Fire And Sanitation Workers’ Comp Law: Here’s What To Know

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Michigan work injury lawyer explains how police officers, fire and sanitation employees have special workers’ comp rights after getting hurt on-the-job and can select “like benefits.”

Police, Fire And Sanitation Workers’ Comp Law: Here’s What To Know

We have represented many law enforcement officers, firefighters, and public works employees over the last several decades. They are some of the hardest working people and sitting around the house is not an option. Our experience has been they go to work hurt and only stop when they physically or mentally cannot perform job duties. Here is some information about police, fire and sanitation employees workers’ comp benefits in Michigan.

Michigan law protects police officers, firefighters, and sanitation workers who are hurt in the course and scope of employment. It does not matter if they are doing heavy physical labor or just filing routine paperwork. Available Michigan police, fire and sanitation workers’ comp benefits include lost wages, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of employees who are having problems with their Michigan police, fire, sanitation workers’ comp benefits. Work restrictions are not being honored, medical treatment is not getting approved, and some are being forced into early retirement. It can be tempting to give up and accept whatever money is offered but there are options. Here is what everyone should know about Michigan police, fire and sanitation workers’ comp law and like benefits.

Police officers and workers’ comp

Police officers who get hurt on-the-job are entitled to compensation. The weekly amount should equal 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state maximum. This calculation includes overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs. Medical treatment should be covered 100%.

Police officers are allowed to opt out and select “like benefits” if they have a duty disability pension. This only applies to police officers who are employed by municipalities and villages. Like benefits do not have to equal to work injury insurance benefits so it is important to review all possible options and select the best one. Once an election of like benefits is made, it cannot be undone.

Firefighters and workers’ comp

Firefighters who are hurt at work also get lost wages under Michigan law. The amount paid is 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state maximum. This will include money for past overtime and discontinued fringe benefits. Medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation should also be covered.

Firefighters who work for a municipality or village can select like benefits if they have access to a duty disability pension. It might be possible to get medical treatment covered under work injury insurance if a duty disability pension does not cover a specific item. Speak with an experienced lawyer before making any decision.

Sanitation employees and workers’ comp

Employees in a sanitation job should also be covered under Michigan. Lost wages equal to 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage should be paid. Medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation are also covered.

Sanitation workers job do not have the option of selecting like benefits. This is true even if they have a disability or retirement pension. Amounts received from a pension can be used to reduce the amount paid under work injury insurance. We recommend speaking with an experienced lawyer before accepting any pension.

Injured at work and need help? Call for a free consultation

Are you an injured police, fire or sanitation employee who needs help with your Michigan workers’ comp case? Call today to speak with one of our work injury attorneys. We pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust and responsiveness. We will explain your legal rights and you will always be treated with respect.

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 (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.

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Police, Fire And Sanitation Workers\' Comp Law: Here\'s What To Know
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.