Michigan lawyer explains workers’ comp payout for a knee injury and how to get the largest possible settlement.
Workers’ comp benefits are paid to employees who are hurt on-the-job in Michigan. It covers medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Many of our clients want to know about cashing in these benefits for a settlement. This allows them freedom to do medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation on their own terms. Here is some information about workers’ comp payout for a knee injury in Michigan that everyone should know about.
Many of our clients have been doing heavy work for their entire careers. A knee injury can be devastating if it prevents them from standing, walking, or lifting heavy items. These physical activities are often required to perform essential job duties.
Settlement is going to depend upon how much money the insurance company thinks it must pay for a work injury claim. They look at future medical needs and how long a person should remain off work. The best way to get a fair settlement is by developing medical and vocational evidence. We tell our clients that a good settlement amount covers future medical treatment and several years of lost wages.
What is the average payout from workers’ comp for a knee injury in Michigan?
In Michigan, there isn’t a specified average workers’ comp payout amount for a knee injury. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average redemption amount was just $55,866 in 2023. This is not a lot of money for someone with severe neck problems. Many of our clients get much more than average when medical and vocational evidence shows the continuing need for workers’ comp benefits.
Why medical evidence is so important for a claim
In Michigan, in order to recieve a payout from workers’ comp for a knee injury medical evidence is needed to establish causation and need for additional treatment. A doctor must explain how current knee problems are related to employment. A treatment plan should be created showing what types of medications and procedures are needed in the future. This information can be used to negotiate the largest possible settlement.
Watch out for insurance companies who send people to an independent medical examination (IME). These doctors are handpicked by insurance companies because they often find nothing wrong. Many of these IME doctors make careers out of testifying against disabled employees. This will impact the value of a workers’ comp payout for knee injury in Michigan.
How vocational evidence can make or break a claim
Disabled employees are supposed to be paid lost wages. The amount should equal 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state-wide maximum. This calculation includes money for overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs. The amount paid for your work injury claim is going to depend upon the weekly comp rate and how long you must remain off work.
Unfortunately, insurance companies use vocational rehabilitation against disabled employees. They will use post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC) to say a person is able to find a new job and cut the weekly comp rate. It does not matter if this job truly exists. This will severely impact the value of a workers’ comp payout for knee injury in Michigan. Less money paid for lost wages means a smaller settlement.
Vocational rehabilitation is supposed to help a person transition to a new job. It can be used to pay for education or retraining. Sometimes all that is needed is help with a resume and career advice. Don’t let the insurance company play games with your future!
Suffered a knee injury on the job in Michigan and have questions about what your payout would be from workers’ comp? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation
If you suffered a knee injury while on the job in Michigan and are wondering what your payout would 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 workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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