Michigan lawyer discusses broken fibula workers’ comp settlement and how to make sure a fair amount is paid.
Our attorneys have combined over 40 years of experience in Michigan workman’s compensation law. We have seen all kinds of workplace accidents and understand how they impact people. A broken leg seems like a minor injury, but it can lead to big problems down the road. Some people get better quickly and return to their jobs after only a few weeks. Others are disabled for much longer and need help transitioning to a new career. Here is some information about a broken fibula workers’ comp settlement.
Employees who have a broken fibular can end up with significant medical problems. Some end up having a surgical procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This is when screws, plates, rods, wires, or nails are placed inside the bones to fix them in the correct place. It is not uncommon to have extended work restrictions after this surgery.
Walking can become difficult and interfere with essential job duties. It can take weeks for a person to even start weight bearing. Workman’s compensation is supposed to cover not just medical treatment but also lost wages. This is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks out of the 52 weeks before getting hurt.
Why a settlement?
A broken fibula workers’ comp settlement allows a person to finish medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation on their own terms. How much is paid for settlement depends upon 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. It is a good idea to hire a lawyer to ensure a fair amount is paid.
We tell our clients that a broken fibula workers’ comp settlement provides sufficient money to cover medical treatment and several years of wage loss benefits. Watch out for insurance companies who offer low-ball settlements based upon biased medical and vocational opinions.
Future medical costs
A treatment plan should be discussed with a surgeon, so an employee has an idea about future medical costs. This includes not just the surgical procedure but also physical therapy and prescription medications. Some individuals who undergo fibular surgery need attendant care to help with activities of daily living. This can add thousands of dollars to a work injury claim and should not be ignored when evaluating a broken fibula workers’ comp settlement. Never blindly accept opinions from “independent” doctors hired by the insurance company.
Medical evidence should also be developed showing continuing disability. A doctor needs to explain how a broken fibula will keep an employee from doing his or her job. It will be up to a doctor to establish work restrictions. The more wage loss benefits that need to be paid under workman’s compensation, the higher a settlement. Watch out for insurance companies who attempt to use something called post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC) to reduce what should be paid.
What is the average broken fibula workers’ comp settlement?
In Michigan, there isn’t a specified average broken fibula workers’ comp settlement amount. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average payout amount for a work-related injury in Michigan was $62,315.56 in 2022.
The amount awarded depends upon several factors. Insurance companies look at future medical needs and how long a person will be disabled from employment. A person’s age, education, and occupation play critical roles.
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.
Injured at work? Contact our work injury lawyers now!
To speak with an experienced work injury attorney about a potential broken fibula workers’ comp settlement , call us now, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan workers comp laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. 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.
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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