Michigan lawyer discusses how often do workers’ comp checks come and a reminder about insurance company math.
Our experience shows that insurance companies make errors, and they are never in our clients favor. Here is what every disabled employee should know about how often Michigan workers’ comp checks come and how much is supposed to be paid. Please remember that every situation is different so discuss with a lawyer if weekly checks are not promptly received or the amount seems incorrect.
Getting hurt on-the-job can turn a person’s life upside down. This is especially true for individuals who live paycheck-to-paycheck. How often do Michigan workers’ comp checks come is an important question. Supporting a family on workers’ comp is tough and missing even one week of pay can result in a financial disaster. Expect payment on a weekly basis.
How often do workers’ comp checks come in Michigan?
In Michigan, disabled employees can expect payment of workers’ comp checks approximately 2 weeks from the start of entitlement and paid on a weekly basis thereafter. Payments are generally not considered late until 30 days past due and can seek penalties of $50 per day up to a maximum of $1,500 for a late check.
It is important to note that a claimant must be off work for at least 7 days to qualify for wage loss benefits. Watch out for missing or late checks as this is a red flag that benefits are going to be disputed.
Workers’ comp is paid with a paper check through regular mail. It is possible to arrange for direct deposit, but written consent must be given. Funds are required to be directly deposited in a financial institution or put on a debit card.
Double check insurance company math
Disabled employees are supposed to receive 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state-wide maximum. This is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks during the 52 weeks before getting hurt. Overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs should be included. Amounts paid under workers’ comp are income tax free. Benefits are supposed to be paid for the entire length of disability.
Watch out for insurance companies who simply estimate the weekly rate based upon number of hours worked and hourly rate. This error can result in much less being paid in weekly. We have seen disabled employees get hundreds of dollars less per week in their workers’ comp checks than what is required under Michigan law. Actual wage records from the employer should be used. It is important to make sure the weekly check amount is correct because this could impact future settlement value.
Insurance companies also use vocational counselors to say a disabled employee has a post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC) to reduce weekly checks. This is based upon “phantom wages” from jobs that might not exist or be available. It is important to speak with a workers’ comp lawyer if this should occur. Do not let the insurance company save money at your expense!
Injured on the job and have questions about your checks? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you or a loved one was injured on the job in Michigan you have questions about your workers’ comp checks, call now (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. 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.
Our law firm 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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