Special interest groups use falsehoods and half-truths to sway public opinion.
We get angry when our clients are discriminated against. It is bad enough having their medical treatment and wage loss benefits unfairly denied. Having friends and neighbors against them makes it even worse.
Special interest groups use misconceptions to sway public opinion. This leads to stereotyping and discrimination. Here are statements about Michigan workers’ comp that everyone should know are false.
FALSE: Workers’ comp is just another government welfare program/entitlement.
Workers’ comp is not welfare. It is a type of insurance that employers in Michigan are required to purchase. It is intended to protect both employers and employees in the event of a workplace accident. Benefits are limited to medical treatment, wage loss, and vocational rehabilitation.
FALSE: Workers’ comp insurance is skyrocketing.
Michigan employers have seen a 45% drop in the pure premium rate since 2011. This decrease outpaces all Midwestern states and is top five in the country.
FALSE: People on workers’ comp are lazy.
Most of our clients just want to recover and get back to their jobs. Refusing light duty work will result in a forfeiture of benefits. Individuals must also perform a good-faith job search while receiving lost wages.
FALSE: Workers’ comp fraud is a huge problem in Michigan.
Accident Fund Insurance Company estimates that fraud occurs in just 4% of total claims. Not exactly the crisis that some media outlets would have you believe.
FALSE: People get rich on workers’ comp.
Benefits are limited to 80% of a person’s after-tax average weekly wage while they cannot work. Individuals who are only partially disabled receive even less based upon their post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC). Pain and suffering is not available. Nobody gets rich and most people struggle from week to week.
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:
Why your “wage earning capacity” matters under Michigan workers’ compensation
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by simmons.kevin4208.
