Michigan lawyer discusses a pinched nerve workers’ comp settlement.
We know how difficult it can be to navigate workers’ comp laws after getting hurt on-the-job. Insurance companies take advantage of people who do not understand their legal rights. Here is some information about a Michigan pinched nerve workers’ comp settlement and how to get a fair amount.
Many of our clients suffer from a herniated disc. This can result in pressure on a nerve. Symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. It is common for pain to travel down legs or arms depending upon the level of the disc. This is called radiculopathy, and it is a serious medical condition. Treatment consists of physical therapy, prescription medications, injections, and surgery.
Workers’ comp insurance is supposed to pay 100% of medical treatment without any copayments or deductibles being owed. Disabled employees should also get wage loss benefits equal to 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage. Vocational rehabilitation is also covered and helps people transition to new careers.
About work injury claims
Insurance companies do not like accepting pinched nerve workers’ comp claims and settlements because of the potential for a large payout. Many of our clients who suffer from this medical condition have trouble getting back to their jobs. Even activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping become more difficult.
Insurance companies send disabled employees to an independent medical examination (IME) hoping to find some evidence that medical problems are not work-related. These doctors are not “independent” and make careers out of testing for insurance companies. Watch out for diagnoses like stenosis and degenerative disc disease. These are often used as justification for a dispute based upon a preexisting condition like arthritis.
About Michigan Pinched Nerve Workers’ Comp Settlements
Michigan law allows an employee injured from a pinched nerve to trade workers’ comp benefits for a settlement option. Settlement is an attractive option for people who want to move on with their lives. Settlement money can be used for medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, paying off debt, starting a business, or retirement.
The amount paid for a settlement depends upon several factors. Insurance companies look at future medical needs and how long a person is expected be disabled from work. Age, education, and occupation also play critical roles.
Individuals who are collecting workers’ comp benefits have the right to select their own doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care. Find a doctor who listens to pain complaints and ask if they will support causation. Give a history about how you got hurt at work and the symptoms you now experience.
Work restrictions should be determined by a treating doctor. Do not let the insurance company get away with stopping wage loss benefits prematurely based upon some biased medical report from their IME doctor.
Watch out for lowball settlement offers. Our experience shows the best way to get a fair settlement is to develop medical and vocational evidence. Having an experienced Michigan lawyer on your side makes all the difference when negotiating a pinched nerve workers’ comp settlement amount. Insurance companies will pay a multiple of the weekly rate up to 5 years. Additional money for future medical treatment can also sometimes be obtained.
What is the average pinched nerve workers’ comp settlement in Michigan?
In Michigan, there isn’t a specific amount listed for the average workers’ comp settlement for a pinched nerve. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average payout amount for a work-related injury in Michigan was $62,315.56 in 2022. This is not a lot of money for someone with a severe radiculopathy.
Many of our clients get more than average when medical and vocational evidence shows continuing disability. Money awarded for your work injury claim can be used for any purpose including additional medical treatment, education, retraining, paying off debt, or retirement.
Need help? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you are suffering from a pinched nerve from on the job in Michigan and you have questions about filing a workers’ comp claim or about a settlement option, call now (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced 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 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 and settlement 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. (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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