Michigan work injury lawyer talks about settlement option and who might qualify for a lump sum cash payment.
I got hurt at work in Michigan, will I get a settlement from workers’ comp? This is one of the most common questions that we get asked. The answer really depends upon employment status and medical treatment. Here is some information about settlement that everyone hurt on-the-job should understand.
Michigan is considered a “wage loss” state, meaning a person must be unable to work to get paid. There are no impairment ratings or automatic payouts like other states. Settlement is not an option when a person has returned to their job and has already been paid for time off.
State law also guarantees payment of medical treatment.
What will determine if I will get a settlement from workers’ comp after being hurt at work in Michigan?
In Michigan, getting a settlement from workers’ comp after being hurt at work will depend upon how much the insurance company anticipates it must pay for additional medical treatment and lost wages in the future. Insurance companies are smart, and they don’t want to overpay. Insurance companies rarely pay enough money to settle when a person has returned to work, stopped medical treatment, or taken a voluntary retirement. Timing is everything so consult a lawyer before making any settlement decisions.
Why is a lump sum of cash a great option?
Many people opt to accept a lump sum cash payment in lieu of getting workers comp benefits. Insurance companies are notorious for paying slowly and interfering with medical treatment. Settlement removes the insurance company from the equation and lets a person move on with their life. If you got hurt at work were and awarded a workers’ comp settlement, the money awarded can also be used for any purpose including paying off debt, medical treatment, job retraining, starting a business, or retirement.
What will ensure that I will get a workers’ comp settlement after being hurt at work in Michigan?
In Michigan, you will get a workers’ comp settlement after being hurt at work if the insurance company believes it to be in their best interests to offer one. Medical and vocational evidence must show a continuing need for benefits to be paid. Insurance companies make settlement offers based upon what they think it will cost them in the future.
Do not enter settlement negotiations without speaking to an experienced lawyer first. Understanding medical and legal issues is the key to getting a fair settlement amount. We help people get the most amount of money possible. Attorney fees are a small percentage of the total settlement and get made up by higher amounts. There is never a charge to evaluate a case for settlement.
What is the average workers’ comp settlement after being hurt at work?
In Michigan, if you are hurt at work the value of your workers’ comp settlement is going to depend upon how long a person is expected to remain off work and future medical costs. The average lump sum cash payout amount in the state during calendar year 2022 was just $62,315.56. This is not a lot of money for a person who could have permeant work restrictions and lifetime medical bills. Our clients get a lot more money when the vocational and medical evidence has been properly developed.
It is possible to get many years of wage loss payments upfront and then immediately return to another employer. This is an indirect way of getting compensated for pain and suffering because you are technically overpaid. Generally, an average case is worth between 1 and 5 years of wage loss benefits. Additional money can be obtained to pay for future medical care.
Watch out for insurance companies
It’s important to know that if you got hurt at work in Michigan, insurance companies are ruthless when it comes to evaluating claims for a workers’ comp settlement. That depends if the insurance company thinks it has some exposure for wage loss and medical. Even people with denied claims can negotiate a settlement when the evidence supports disability and need for medical treatment.
It is no secret that lawyers get higher settlement amounts. Insurance companies know that individuals who are represented understand their legal rights and have the means to enforce them. It is critical to develop vocational and medical evidence early so that maximum dollars can be obtained.
Watch out because some insurance companies hire private investigators to spy on people who mention settlement. They assume a person has fully recovered or is secretly working somewhere else. You won’t get a settlement if the insurance company thinks you are being untruthful or hiding something. Asking for settlement on your own can put you in a bad negotiating position because you did not understand legal rights or the true value of your claim.
If you got hurt at work in Michigan, hiring an experienced workers’ comp lawyer is the best way to get maximum dollars for your settlement. Expect the first settlement offer to be low but don’t give up hope. We have seen first offers that are just pennies on the dollar. We are here to assist and make sure legal rights are protected. There is no fee unless you recover money.
Injured while on the job? Contact our work injury attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you got hurt at work in Michigan and are wondering if you can get a 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 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 workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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