Michigan lawyer discusses workers’ comp settlement for frozen shoulder.
Michigan work injury law protects employees hurt on-the-job. It covers medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Many of our clients who suffer a frozen shoulder want to know about compensation for their work-related injury because this type of injury can be a career ender. Cashing out allows them freedom to do medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation on their own terms. It is a good option for someone who cannot go back their job and want to start fresh. Here is everything to know about workers’ comp settlement for frozen shoulder.
This type of injury, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a medical condition that causes stiffness and pain in the ball and socket joint. We see this diagnosis frequently after someone has this type of injury at work. Treatment consists of physical therapy, injections, medications, and occasionally surgery. It can take months or even years to fully resolve.
A workers’ comp settlement for a frozen shoulder is going to depend upon how much money the insurance company thinks it must pay in benefits. Insurance companies look at future medical needs and how long a person is expected to be disabled. Insurance companies know the value of claims and they do not want to overpay.
We tell our clients that a good workers’ comp settlement for frozen shoulder provides sufficient money to cover future medical treatment and several years of wage loss benefits. Watch out for insurance companies who offer low-ball settlement amounts based upon biased medical and vocational opinions.
Calculate future medical costs
Medical evidence from a doctor is always required to show both causation and need for additional treatment. A doctor should explain how the injury developed and why it is related to a workplace injury. This can be tricky because some people develop arthritis as they get older and sorting out what pathology is work-related can be difficult.
A treatment plan should be created showing what types of physical therapy, injections, medications, and surgical procedures could be needed in the future. Many of our clients undergo multiple surgeries so a worst case scenario must be considered. Shoulder replacement is also a possibility. This medical evidence can be used to negotiate the largest possible workers’ comp settlement for a frozen shoulder.
Establish continuing disability
A workers’ comp settlement for a frozen shoulder is going to depend upon the weekly comp rate and how long a person is expected to be disabled. Individuals receiving work injury benefits should receive 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage. This includes money for overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs that can no longer be performed.
It will be up to a doctor to establish work restrictions. If the employer cannot accommodate work restrictions, wage loss benefits should be paid. Watch out for insurance companies who dispute claims based upon biased IME reports or post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC). This can impact the value of any settlement because less money owed means less money paid. We recommend hiring an experienced work injury lawyer in Michigan to make sure legal rights are protected and maximum settlement is paid.
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 35 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Workers’ Comp Light Duty FAQs: Everything You Need To Know
