Michigan workers’ comp lawyer discusses the workers’ comp settlement process
Many of our clients want to know about a workers’ comp settlement process and a redemption order. This is when workers’ comp benefits are traded for a lump sum cash payment and the claim ends. It is an attractive option for many people because it allows them to move on with their lives and get out from underneath the employer/insurance company.
Settlement money can be used for any purpose including medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, job search efforts, starting a business, paying off debt, or retirement. How much is paid will depend upon factors like age, education, and injury. All settlements must be approved by a magistrate at a formal redemption hearing.
The magistrate will sign a redemption order at the conclusion of the hearing. This is a legal document that shows the total settlement amount and to whom checks must be issued. A redemption can be either approved or denied.
We suggest keeping this legal document in a safe place. It is proof of a workers’ comp settlement and has a breakdown of direct payments. There will also be an audio recording of the settlement hearing that can be obtained from the State of Michigan.
What is a redemption order?
In Michigan, a redemption order in a workers’ comp case is a legal document showing the total settlement amount and to whom checks must be issued. A magistrate must approve the workers’ comp settlement at a hearing and sign this legal document. We suggest keeping this legal document in a safe place.
Here are some items that are typically listed within the legal document and why they are important. This settlement document can be complicated, so we recommend speaking with an attorney whenever a workers’ comp settlement is contemplated.
1. Name, address, and social security number of the employee. This information will be used for identification purposes on the legal document. Watch out for small errors as this can complicate things.
2. Information regarding the employer and its insurance company. It is possible to have a claim against several different entities. Only those listed within the redemption order will be released from paying workers’ comp benefits.
3. All dates of injury that are covered by the document. Most insurance companies insist that payment of settlement resolves all possible workers’ comp claims.
4. Total settlement amount and net payment to employee. The amount paid for settlement will always be reduced by any attorney fees, costs, medical payments, liens, child support obligations, and state redemption fee.
5. Whether weekly benefits will continue and for how long. There is a 15-day appeal period before settlement is final. Wage loss benefits should continue to be paid during this period unless waived.
6. Social Security Administration information. This can help eliminate or minimize offsets by prorating the settlement amount over life expectancy.
Injured at work in Michigan have questions about a redemption order for your workers’ comp case? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you or a loved one was injured on the job in Michigan and you need help with your workers’ comp claim and have questions about a redemption order, 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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