Michigan workers’ comp lawyer discusses permanent restrictions after microdiscectomy.
Many of our clients have been doing physical labor for their entire lives. Spinal injuries can be a game changer if they prevent an individual from lifting, standing, or walking. This is especially true when an employee ends up with permanent restrictions after microdiscectomy. The transition to sedentary work is not easy and starting over in a new position can result in less pay.
We encourage our clients who are given restrictions after this surgery to start thinking about the future. Many return to gainful employment with a little help. Here is some information about light duty job offers, vocational rehabilitation, and settlement. Always call an experienced workers’ comp lawyer whenever these issues arise.
Light Duty Job Offers For Injured Workers With Permanent Restrictions After A Microdiscectomy
Employers have an incentive to bring people with permanent restrictions after microdiscectomy back to work. Finding them a new job within the company ends responsibility for paying wage loss benefits under workers’ comp. This is called light duty or reasonable employment. It is defined as work within the employee’s capacity to perform that poses no clear and proximate threat to health and safety. It is not limited to jobs within qualifications and training, so anything is fair game. The job must also be a reasonable distance from the employee’s home.
Failure to accept a light duty job offer can result in a forfeiture of wages. Watch out for employers who violate restrictions or only provide demeaning tasks. We have represented many people who have a dispute with their employer about a light duty job offer.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation is available when an employee must be retrained for a new career. (MCL 418.319) It is possible to get workers’ comp insurance to pay for education and other items needed for retraining. This can be a great benefit for someone who has permanent restrictions after microdiscectomy.
Vocational rehabilitation is supposed to be about helping the injured worker get back to gainful employment. Our experience shows that insurance companies abuse the system. Watch out for vocational counselors hired by insurance companies who do not have best interests at heart. Insurance companies also use “phantom wages” from jobs that might not even be available to cut the weekly comp rate.
Settlement
Employees can trade workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This is an attractive option because it allows people to put money in the bank and move on with their lives. Our clients with permanent restrictions after microdiscectomy are then free to do their own job search without interference.
Settlement money can be used for any purpose including medical treatment, job search efforts, vocational rehabilitation, starting a business, and even retirement. The amount paid for settlement is going to depend upon length of disability and future medical needs. Consult an experienced workers’ comp lawyer before settlement amount negotiations begin so maximum value can be obtained.
Need help with your Michigan workers’ comp claim after receiving permanent restrictions after a microdiscectomy procedure? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you or a loved one was injured on the job in Michigan and need help with your workers’ comp claim after receiving permanent restrictions after a microdiscectomy procedure, 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.
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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