Michigan work injury lawyer explains how police officers, firefighters, and sanitation employees have special legal rights after getting hurt on-the-job and can sometimes select “like benefits.”
We have represented many law enforcement officers, firefighters, and public works employees over the last several decades. They are some of the hardest working people and sitting around the house is not usually an option. Our experience has been they go to work hurt and only stop when they physically or mentally cannot perform their job duties. Here is some information about police, fire, and sanitation employees workers’ comp benefits in Michigan.
Michigan law protects police officers, firefighters, and sanitation workers who are hurt in the course and scope of employment. It does not matter if they are doing heavy physical labor or just filing routine paperwork. Available Michigan police, fire and sanitation workers’ comp benefits include lost wages, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of employees who are having problems with their Michigan police, fire, sanitation workers’ comp benefits. Work restrictions are not being honored, medical treatment is not getting approved, and some are being forced into early retirement. It can be tempting to give up and accept whatever money is offered but there are options. Here is what everyone should know about Michigan police, fire and sanitation workers’ comp law and like benefits.
Police officers and workers’ comp
Police officers who get hurt on-the-job are entitled to compensation. The weekly amount should equal 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state maximum. This calculation includes overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs. Medical treatment should be covered 100%.
Police officers are allowed to opt out and select “like benefits” if they have a duty disability pension. This only applies to police officers who are employed by municipalities and villages. Like benefits do not have to equal workers’ comp benefits so it is important to review all possible options and select the best one. Once an election of like benefits is made, it cannot be undone.
Firefighters and workers’ comp
Firefighters who are hurt at work also get lost wages under Michigan law. The amount paid is 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state maximum. This will include money for past overtime and discontinued fringe benefits. Medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation should also be covered.
Firefighters who work for a municipality or village can select like benefits if they have access to a duty disability pension. It might be possible to get medical treatment covered under workers’ comp if a duty disability pension does not cover a specific item. Speak with an experienced lawyer before making any decision.
Sanitation employees and workers’ comp
Employees in a sanitation job should also be covered under workers’ comp. Lost wages equal to 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage should be paid. Medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation are also covered without copayments or deductibles being owed.
Sanitation workers do not have the option of selecting like benefits. This is true even if they have a disability or retirement pension. Amounts received from a pension can be used to reduce the amount paid under workers’ comp. We recommend speaking with an experienced lawyer before accepting any pension.
Are you an injured police, fire or sanitation employee and need help with your Michigan workers’ comp claim ? Call for a free consultation
If you are an injured police, fire or sanitation employee in Michigan and need help with your workers’ comp claim, call now (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced work injury 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 on the job injuries. 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 police, fire and sanitation Michigan workers’ comp 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:
Can You Collect Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation At The Same Time?