Work injury lawyer explains what happens when a person gets a new job while on workers’ comp in Michigan.
Employees who are hurt while at work in Michigan are protected under workers’ comp law. It covers medical bills related to the workplace accident. It also pays 80% of an individual’s after-tax average weekly wage for lost wages. But can you get another job while on workers’ comp in Michigan? Yes, but there will be important consequences. Here are some potential issues to think about and why it can be a difficult balancing act. Please remember that every situation is different, so it is a good idea to speak with a workers’ comp lawyer before making any decisions about getting a new position.
Medical benefits
Employees on workers’ comp are entitled to have their medical bills paid. All treatment that is reasonable, necessary, and related to the workplace accident should be covered. Examples include ambulance runs, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, medication, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. There should never be any copayments or deductibles owed under workers’ comp. This is a potentially lifetime benefit. This means you can get another job while on workers’ comp in Michigan and medical benefits should not be affected.
Wage Loss benefits
Employees who are unable to work because of an on-the-job accident should be paid wage loss benefits. The amount equals 80% of a person’s after-tax average weekly wage. This calculation includes money for past overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs that can no longer be worked.
In Michigan, you can get another job while on workers’ comp but the amount paid for wage loss benefits will be reduced or possibly eliminated. Michigan is considered a “wage loss” state and payments are intended to replace lost income. Getting a new job means a person does not have a wage loss anymore. Differential wage loss benefits should be paid by the insurance company if the new job does not pay enough money to equal all the lost earnings. Watch out for insurance companies who use any job to say a person is not disabled regardless of how much it pays.
Settlement
Another question clients ask is can I get another job while on workers’ comp in Michigan and still get a settlement? The answer is yes, but timing is everything so have a plan before making any big career decisions. Individuals can trade workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This money can be used for any purpose including medical treatment, paying off debt, finding a new job, or starting a business. The amount paid for settlement is going to depend upon how much the insurance company thinks it must pay in future workers’ comp benefits. If an individual gets a new job and the amount of wage loss is reduced, this will impact the amount of settlement. We recommend negotiating a settlement before starting a new job to maximize the value of the workers’ comp settlement.
Injured while on-the-job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers now
If you were injured while on the job in Michigan and have questions about your workers’ comp claim, call us now, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Our attorneys are here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan work injury 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 workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.
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