Workers’ Comp Payout For Back Injury In Michigan: Here’s What To Know

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Workers' Comp Payout For Back Injury: Here Is What To Know

Michigan lawyer discusses the average workers’ comp payout for a back injury and warns about low-ball settlement offers from insurance companies.

Michigan law allows disabled employees to settle their workers’ comp claims for lump sum payments. This money is income tax free and can be used for any purpose including paying off debt or retirement. Many of our clients finish medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation on their own terms, not having to worry about interference or delays. It is an attractive option for people who want to move on with their lives. Here is some information about a workers’ comp payout for a back injury in Michigan.

Back injury at work in Michigan

We have represented many disabled employees throughout our 40+ years of practice. Some of the most difficult cases involve lumbar spine injuries. These can be especially devastating if they result in permanent work restrictions and lifetime medical expenses. If a disabled employee has always done heavy work, the transition to a sit-down job can be extremely difficult.

Our experience shows that people hurt their backs in different ways. This includes lifting heavy items, bending and/or twisting, and from traumatic events like motor vehicle accidents. Common back diagnoses include herniated disc, disc protrusion, annular tear, and radiculopathy. Many people are treated conservatively with physical therapy and medication while others must undergo invasive surgery like laminectomy, discectomy, or fusion.

Settlement value

In Michigan, the value of any workers’ comp payout for a back injury depends upon how much the employer or insurance company thinks it must pay. This includes lost wages, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation. Disabled employees are supposed to get 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage for the entire time they cannot work. Medical treatment is an unlimited benefit that is paid for life. Vocational rehabilitation helps with education and retraining expenses.

How much is the average workers’ comp payout for a back injury in Michigan?

In Michigan, there is not a specific average workers’ comp payout for a back injury. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average for all work-related injury claims in the state was just $55,866.00 in 2023. This is not a lot of money for someone with a serious lumbar spine injury. Many of our clients get much more when evidence shows continuing disability and ongoing medical treatment. At the end of the day, this is a business decision for insurance companies and settlement must make financial sense for all parties.

Watch out for insurance companies who make low-ball settlement offers. Do not rely upon the independent medical examination (IME) or the post-injury wage earning capacity assessment (PIWEC) to be a fair interpretation of abilities. Insurance companies use these biased reports to cut payments.

It is important to have an experienced Michigan attorney who can get a fair workers’ comp payout for a back injury. This requires a full understanding of Michigan law and what evidence is needed to prove a case at trial. There is never an attorney fee unless money is recovered.

Suffered a back injury on the job in Michigan and have question on what the payout amount will be from workers’ comp? Call our lawyers now for a free consultation

If you suffered a back injury while on the job in Michigan and are wondering what the payout amount could be from workers’ comp, 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 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 employees exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Can You Get A Second Opinion On A Workers’ Comp Case In Michigan?

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.