Warning about insurance company tactics and why you should hire a workers’ comp lawyer while benefits are still being paid.
We get lots of telephones calls from people who are trying to understand their Michigan workers’ comp rights. Questions about wage loss, vocational rehab, and medical are very common. Some of these callers are receiving benefits while others have a disputed claim.
Explaining the workers’ comp law is easy but deciding on a good strategy can be difficult. Not everyone fits into tiny boxes and one size does not fit all. We tell our clients to think about the future and where they see themselves in a year. Some people just want to get back to work while others are looking to medically retire.
Hiring a lawyer while your workers’ comp claim is being paid is a great idea. This can prevent minor issues from turning major problems. It is also important to realize the insurance company has lawyers already reviewing your claim. Here are just some of the dangers that you might not see coming.
Tactic #1: Second review of medical records
We have seen defense attorneys review medical records long before a case is disputed. They are looking for any “red flags” that can be used against you in court. Expect an appointment with a defense medical examiner soon after. Watch out for excuses like degeneration and arthritis.
Tactic #2: Sending you to do charity work
The main goal of workers’ comp is to get people back to work. Employers are encouraged to let their employees work under restrictions. Sometimes this is not possible and the insurance company must pay wage loss benefits. This can be avoided by sending you to perform volunteer or charity work. These are not real jobs and the goal is to get you to walk away.
Tactic #3: Hiring a private investigator
Defense attorneys hire private investigators to follow people on workers’ comp. Surveillance video and photographs are used to show a person is not being truthful about their disability. Social media accounts will also be examined for any damaging evidence.
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:
Injured at work? Advice from a Michigan workers comp lawyer (VIDEO)
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Joelk75.
