Workers’ comp lawyer discusses slip and fall at work settlements in Michigan.
Many people choose to settle and trade workers’ compensation benefits for a lump sum cash payment. Here is some information about slip and fall at work settlements in Michigan. Please remember that every situation is different, so it is a good idea to get a free consultation from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
Workers’ compensation is designed as a safety net for employees hurt on-the-job. Benefits should be paid regardless of fault provided it happens on the employer’s premises. It includes payment of medical bills, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
Employees hurt on-the-job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Examples include getting on or off a machine, walking up/down steps, tripping over rugs or other miscellaneous items. Even a fall that occurred because someone was clumsy and tripped over themselves should be covered. Slip and fall at work settlements in Michigan are possible in any of these scenarios:
- Getting in or out of a motor vehicle
- Walking to or from a parking lot
- Entering or leaving the building
- Slip and fall on snow or ice
- Slip and fall in the bathroom
- Slip and fall during lunch hour
Slip and fall getting in or out of a motor vehicle
We have represented many employees who have been hurt getting in or out of a vehicle. These accidents are covered under workers’ compensation if they occur in the course and scope of employment. This includes routine work travel, parking on the employer’s premises, and special trips for the boss.
Slip and fall walking to or from a parking lot
Employees who get hurt walking to or from the parking lot should be covered under workers’ compensation. This is true even if the parking lot is off premises when traveling in a reasonably direct route to or from a designated parking area. Slip and fall at work settlements in Michigan are common in these situations.
Slip and fall entering or leaving the building
Employees who are hurt while on the premises where the work is done, within a reasonable time before or after hours, are usually presumed to be in the course and scope of employment. This would include entering and leaving the building.
Slip and fall on ice and snow
Sidewalks are often dangerous places when the temperature drops in winter. Workers’ compensation benefits should be paid automatically to cover medical bills and lost wages.
Slip and fall in the bathroom
Work accidents can occur at any time. Employees who slip and fall in a company bathroom and get injured should be covered under workers’ compensation and can file a claim for benefits or opt for a settlement.
Slip and fall during lunch hour
Employees hurt in a breakroom while on the employer’s premises should be covered under workers’ compensation. Getting hurt during a lunch hour while off premises is more complicated. Off premises injuries might be covered where an employee is on a special mission for the employer or running a company errand.
How are slip and fall at work settlements calculated?
In Michigan, insurance companies calculate slip and fall work settlements based upon their exposure. This is the amount of money they must pay in future medical and wage loss benefits.
How much can you sue for a slip and fall at work?
Employees can only collect workers’ compensation benefits for a slip and fall at work. This includes money for lost time and medical treatment. It is possible to sue a third-party, building owner or snowplow company, for additional damages if they were negligent.
What is the average settlement amount for a slip and fall at work in Michigan?
In Michigan, there is no guaranteed payout for a slip and fall at work settlement. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average payout amount for a work-related injury in the state was $62,315.56 in 2022. The amount rewarded is going to depend upon the extent of disability and future medical treatment needs. Pain and suffering is not available.
Watch out for insurance companies who make lowball settlement offers. This is typically based upon biased medical reports from so called “independent” doctors. The truth is that insurance companies use the same physicians over and over again because they expect a cut-off.
How does a settlement work if someone dies from a slip and fall on the job in Michigan?
Family members of a loved one who is killed on-the-job are entitled to survivors benefits. This includes 500 weeks of wage loss benefits plus a $6,000 burial expense. An individual must prove dependency to qualify for payments. This is complicated for spouses who have other income or children over the age of 16.
Injured on the job? Call our attorneys now!
If you are injured in a slip and fall at work in Michigan and have questions about your claim and settlement options, call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from work-related injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every work injury claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled employees exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
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