Watch out for lowball workers’ comp ankle injury settlement offers in Michigan.
Many of our clients want to know about the average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement. Michigan law allows disabled employees to trade workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This money is tax free and can be used for any purpose including medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, paying off debt, starting a business, or retirement. Settlement is an attractive option for people who want to move on with their lives.
Some of the more difficult cases involve injuries to the talocrural region (where the foot meets the leg) because they can end careers. If a person has always done heavy work, the transition to a sit-down job can be extremely difficult. Even activities of daily living can be hard when a person cannot stand or walk for long periods.
Common workplace injuries to the talocrural region include sprain, fracture, tendon dysfunction, and ligament tear. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and limited mobility. These injuries can be diagnosed with X-ray, MRI, and CT scan. Treatment usually consists of bracing, physical therapy, medication, injection, and surgery. Individuals on workers’ comp can select their own doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care.
Surgical procedures that can lead to permanent work restrictions include open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), ankle reconstruction, tendon transfer, ankle fusion, ankle arthroplasty. Many of our clients have trouble with standing, walking, balancing, and climbing stairs after surgery. All these activities can impact ability to do work tasks.
Workers’ comp is supposed to guarantee medical treatment and lost wages. The amount paid for a workers’ comp ankle injury settlement depends upon several different factors. Insurance companies look at future medical needs and how long a person is going to remain off work. Age, education, and occupation play critical roles. Watch out for insurance companies who play games and make lowball settlement offers based upon biased reports. They do not want to overpay, and it always comes at the injured person’s expense.
What is the average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement?
Statistics published by the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average settlement amount was just $58,641.58 in 2019. Many people receive more than average when evidence shows permanent restrictions and lifetime medical. Watch out for lowball offers for serious injuries.
Beware the independent medical examination (IME).
Insurance companies often use the IME to stop paying workers’ comp benefits. These doctors are not truly “independent” and make careers out of testifying against disabled employees. The average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement is going to be much less when a claim has been disputed. Hire a lawyer who can fight back using treating medical sources and will negotiate a fair offer.
Beware the unfair vocational assessment.
Insurance companies frequently use the vocational assessment to say a disabled employee can earn wages in a different job. Wage loss checks get reduced or stopped bringing down the average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement. It is important to challenge any vocational assessment that is used to reduce weekly checks.
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.
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