5 ways a work injury lawyer can help after a workplace accident.
Our lawyers have dedicated their entire careers to helping people hurt on-the-job. We have over 100 years of combined experience dealing with bad employers and insurance companies. Here are 5 ways a work injury lawyer can help after an accident.
1. Protect legal rights
Michigan law protects employees hurt on-the-job and it does not matter who was at fault. Available workers’ comp benefits include medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Sometimes employers or their insurance companies unfairly dispute payment of workers’ comp benefits. It is important to have a work injury lawyer on your side to hold them accountable.
2. Double check insurance company math
Insurance companies frequently make mistakes and they are never in your favor. Workers’ comp is supposed to pay 80% of the after-tax average weekly wage. This is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks out of the 52 weeks before the accident. It should include overtime and discontinued fringe benefits. Our experience shows that weekly checks are typically paid at the wrong rate. This occurs when the insurance company estimates the amount instead of getting actual wage records. Math errors based upon tax filing status and dependency are also very common.
3. Solve problems with medical treatment
Michigan law allows an employee to select his or her own doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care. Insurance companies get in the way because they want to control job restrictions and medical costs. There are also medical benefits the insurance company will not tell you about. For example, family members can get paid up to 56 hours per week for providing attendant care. Mileage to and from doctor appointments should also be covered. Having a work injury lawyer can help ensure that all medical is paid without delay or interference.
4. Give advice about light duty jobs
Employees who are offered light duty or reasonable employment must attempt this job or they could forfeit workers’ comp benefits. Employers play games with the hope that people simply quit and walk away. Employees might be asked to drive 100 miles each way to a job. Employees might be asked to sit in an empty room and look at a brick wall. Our experience shows that an attorney can level the playing field and stop this abuse. Solve minor issues before they explode into major problems!
5. Negotiate cash settlement
Many of our clients want to settle their workers’ comp claims for a lump sum cash payment. This gives them freedom to find a new job and move on with their lives. Insurance companies make low ball settlement offers with the hope that someone is in financial distress. It is no secret that a work injury lawyer gets higher settlement amounts. Fees are only 10% of the settlement when benefits are currently being paid. Do not leave settlement money on the table!
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.
Related information:
Workers’ Comp Disability Settlement: What’s A Fair Offer?
