Michigan lawyer explains how a workers’ comp claim can affect future employment prospects and why honesty is usually the best policy.
Michigan law protects employees who are hurt on-the-job. It covers all medical bills, a percentage of lost wages, and even vocational rehabilitation services. Many employees collect work-related injury benefits and quickly return to their jobs. We consider these individuals a great success story because getting back to work should always be the primary goal. Sometimes a person cannot return to his or her job and must transition to something new. Many of our clients opt to settle their job-related injury claims for a lump sum cash payment and move on with their lives. But some of our clients want to know if a workers’ comp claim can affect future employment in Michigan? Keep reading to find out some answers and why honesty is the best policy.
Workers’ comp claims can affect future employment because they are public records in Michigan
Michigan law permits employers, insurance companies, and other interested parties to request information about workers’ comp claims. This is usually done through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Additionally, insurers routinely track and share information about their policyholders through searchable databases and this information can be purchased. It is a good idea to assume that any past claims will be discovered by a new employer so being honest is a good strategy.
Discrimination against employees who make work injury claims
Discrimination against employees who make a workers’ comp claim can affect future employment. Most discrimination against people stems from misconceptions about the workers’ comp system. It is not welfare or some free handout. It is a safety net for people hurt on-the-job and it comes with strings attached. Workers’ comp benefits are extremely limited, and nobody gets rich from sitting at home. Insurance companies make things worse by publicizing that all disabled employees are frauds who just want a free lunch. The truth is that fraud is very low in the workers’ comp system and most people just want to get back to their jobs.
Why honesty is the best policy when looking for a new job
When it comes to how a workers’ comp claim can affect future employment, our experience shows and what we tell our clients that honesty is the best policy. Employers just want to know that a new hire can physically and mentally perform the job. They make hiring decisions based upon work experience, skills, and needs of their business. Most employers will not care if someone had a prior workers’ comp claim and settlement. But they do care if a person lies on a job application or during an interview.
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:
Can You Quit Your Job While On Workers’ Comp?
