Michigan lawyer discusses workers’ comp settlements for neck injuries and how to get a fair payout.
Getting hurt on-the-job can turn a person’s life upside down. This is especially true when the insurance company disputes workers’ comp benefits. Many of our clients’ live paycheck-to-paycheck and cannot be without income. Settlement becomes critical because they need to support their families. Unfortunately, insurance companies exploit financial distress and make low-ball settlement offers. Some of the worst cases involve people with neck injuries who cannot return to any gainful employment. Here is some information about workers’ comp settlements for neck injuries and how to get a fair payout.
Michigan work injury law protects employees who are hurt on-the-job. It covers medical treatment, lost wages, and even vocational rehabilitation. Disabled employees can trade work injury insurance benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This is an attractive option for people who have disputed claims and do not want to spend years in court. Money paid through a claim can be used for medical bills, vocational rehabilitation, starting a business, paying off debt, or even retirement.
Cases can be complicated
Workers’ comp settlements for neck injuries can be complicated to figure out. Employees with this work related injury often have lifetime medical problems and permanent work restrictions. It is not uncommon to undergo a spinal fusion surgery that permanently connects two or more vertebrae. Metal plates, screws, and rods are implanted into the body. Many of our clients report symptoms of chronic neck pain that travels down their arm.
Figuring out a fair payout under workers’ comp requires a thorough analysis of a person’s medical and wage earning capacity. We tell our clients that workers’ comp settlements for neck injuries should pay enough to cover future medical needs and several years of lost wages.
Lookout for insurance companies
Insurance companies go out of their way to save money on work injury claims. This is always done at the expense of the disabled employee. Many of our clients are forced to undergo so called “independent” medical examinations where biased doctors say they do not need additional medical treatment and/or can return to full duty work. Vocational counselors are hired to say disabled employees can find other jobs and should not get lost wages. Private investigators are hired to perform activity checks to find evidence that a person might be exaggerating symptoms.
Settlement value is going to depend upon how much the insurance company believes it must payout in future workers’ comp benefits. Therefore, developing medical and vocational evidence is critical to getting a fair payout. It is very important to have a treating doctor who supports medical causation and disability. We recommend hiring a lawyer to challenge biased IME reports and vocational assessments.
Average workers’ comp settlements amount for neck injuries
There isn’t a specified average workers’ comp settlements amount for neck injuries in Michigan. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average redemption amount was just $59,235.42 in 2020. This is not a lot of money for someone with severe neck problems. Many of our clients get much more than average when medical and vocational evidence shows continuing need for workers’ comp benefits.
Speak with an experienced work injury lawyer
We recommend contacting an experienced work injury lawyer in Michigan to ensure you get a fair payout amount. 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 workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Can My Employer Force Me To Have Surgery: Here’s What To Know
