Michigan lawyer discusses 3 reasons why workers’ comp is not sending checks.
Michigan law protects employees hurt on-the-job through workman’s comp. It was designed as a compromise between labor and business. There is no waiting period and employee fault does not matter. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Unfortunately, some employers and insurance companies fail to pay. If workers’ comp is not sending checks, here are some reasons why.
3 Reasons Why Workers Comp Is Not Sending Checks
- Poor claim handling
- Issues with IME exam
- Notice of dispute
Reason 1: Poor claim handling
A common reason why workers’ comp is not sending checks is poor claim handling. Our clients tell us about adjusters who do not return telephone calls and other rude behavior. People feel like they are left in the dark and have no idea if they are even getting paid. This frustration extends to doctors who cannot get medical treatment authorized.
Disabled employees are supposed to get paid every week. Payment is computerized, but it usually requires the adjuster to manually change dates to keep benefits going. Many people live paycheck-to-paycheck and cannot afford to have late or missing checks. Poor claim handling results in many people not getting paid.
Watch out for adjusters who insist on getting a recorded statement as this is not a requirement under the law. Our experience also shows they will ask for a blank medical authorization and go on a fishing expedition to see about preexisting conditions. It is important to speak with an experienced lawyer if workers’ comp is not sending checks.
Reason 2: Independent medical examination
Michigan law permits employers and their insurance companies to get an independent medical examination (IME) from time to time. This is a source of great stress and worry for our clients because it could result in a cut-off. We have seen checks stop just because the IME has been scheduled and they are waiting on results. Failure to attend the IME will result in an automatic dispute.
Some clients believe the independent medical examination is a second opinion and it will help them get a better understanding of treatment options. Others have done internet research and panic when they see poor doctor reviews. The truth is that IME doctors are not “independent” and get paid large sums of money to testify against injured employees.
Reason 3: Notice of Dispute
Insurance companies find all kinds of dumb excuses to dispute a job injury claim. The burden falls on the disabled employee to file an Application for Mediation or Hearing and force payment. It will be up to a magistrate to decide whether additional insurance benefits are owed.
Is workers’ comp not sending checks because of a dispute? The insurance company is required by Michigan law to file a formal document outlying the reasons. We recommend hiring a lawyer if a claim has been disputed.
Injured on the job? Call our attorneys now!
If you were injured on the job in Michigan and workers’ comp is not sending you checks, call us now, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation to speak with an experienced attorney. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping people injured on the job for more than 40 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 (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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