Watch out for lowball workers’ comp ankle injury settlement offers in Michigan.
Many of our clients want to know about the average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement is for the state of Michigan. Michigan law allows disabled employees to trade workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This money is tax free and can be used for any purpose including medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, paying off debt, starting a business, or retirement. Settlement is an attractive option for people who want to move on with their lives.
Some of the more difficult cases involve injuries to the talocrural region (where the foot meets the leg) because they can end careers. If a person has always done heavy work, the transition to a sit-down job can be extremely difficult. Even activities of daily living can be hard when a person cannot stand or walk for long periods.
Common workplace injuries to the talocrural region include sprain, fracture, tendon dysfunction, and ligament tear. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and limited mobility. These injuries can be diagnosed with X-ray, MRI, and CT scan. Treatment usually consists of bracing, physical therapy, medication, injection, and surgery. Individuals on workers’ comp can select their own doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care.
Surgical procedures that can lead to permanent work restrictions include open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), ankle reconstruction, tendon transfer, ankle fusion, ankle arthroplasty. Many of our clients have trouble with standing, walking, balancing, and climbing stairs after surgery. All these activities can impact ability to do work tasks.
Workers’ comp is supposed to guarantee medical treatment and lost wages. The amount paid for a workers’ comp ankle injury settlement in Michigan depends upon several different factors. Insurance companies look at future medical needs and how long a person is going to remain off work. Age, education, and occupation play critical roles. Watch out for insurance companies who play games and make lowball settlement offers based upon biased reports. They do not want to overpay, and it always comes at the injured person’s expense.
What is the average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement?
In Michingan, statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average settlement amount was just $62,315.56 in 2022. Many people receive more than average when evidence shows permanent restrictions and lifetime medical. Watch out for lowball offers for serious injuries.
The average payout amount 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 off work. Insurance companies know the value of claims and they do not want to overpay.
Beware the independent medical examination (IME).
Insurance companies often use the IME to stop paying workers’ comp benefits. These doctors are not truly “independent” and make careers out of testifying against disabled employees. The average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement in Michigan is going to be much less when a claim has been disputed. Hire a lawyer who can fight back using treating medical sources and will negotiate a fair offer.
Beware the unfair vocational assessment.
Insurance companies frequently use the vocational assessment to say a disabled employee can earn wages in a different job. In Michigan, wage loss checks get reduced or stopped bringing down the average workers’ comp ankle injury settlement. It is important to challenge any vocational assessment that is used to reduce weekly checks.
Suffered ankle injury on the job and have questions about a workers’ comp settlement? Call now for a free consultation with our attorneys!
If you suffered an ankle injury on the job in Michigan and have questions about a workers’ comp settlement, call now 855-221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from work-related injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
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.
Remember, every work injury claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
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.
Related information: