Work injury lawyer explains what happens when a person gets a new job while on workers’ comp in Michigan.
Employees who are hurt while at work in Michigan are protected under workers’ comp law. It pays 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage to make for lost wages. Individuals can get another job while on workers’ comp in Michigan but there are important consequences. Here are some potential issues to think about and why it can be a difficult balancing act. Please remember that every situation is different, so it is a good idea to speak with a work injury lawyer before making any decisions about getting a new job.
Medical benefits if you get a new job
Employees on workers’ comp are entitled to have their medical bills paid. All treatment that is reasonable, necessary, and related to the workplace accident should be covered. Examples include ambulance runs, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, medication, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. There should never be any copayments or deductibles owed under workers’ comp. This is a lifetime benefit. This means you can get another job while on workers’ comp in Michigan and medical benefits should not be affected.
Wage Loss benefits if you find other employment
Employees who are unable to work because of an on-the-job accident should be paid wage loss benefits. The amount equals 80% of a person’s after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state-wide maximum. This calculation includes money for overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs that can no longer be worked.
Michigan is considered a “wage loss” state and payments are intended to replace lost income. Getting a new job means a person does not have a wage loss anymore. Differential wage loss benefits should be paid by the insurance company if the new job does not pay enough money to equal all the lost earnings. Watch out for insurance companies who use any job to deny a workers’ comp claim in Michigan as they will say the person is not disabled regardless of how much it pays.
Settlement after you have returned to work
Employees can trade workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This money can be used for any purpose including medical treatment, paying off debt, finding a new job, or starting a business.
A frequently asked question: Can I get another job while on workers’ comp in Michigan and still get a settlement? The answer is yes, but timing is everything so have a plan before making any big career decisions. The amount paid for settlement is going to depend upon how much the insurance company thinks it must pay in future wage loss benefits. If an individual gets a new job and the amount of wage loss benefits is reduced or eliminated, this will impact the amount of settlement. We recommend negotiating a settlement before starting a new job to maximize the value of the workers’ comp settlement.
Injured while on-the-job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers now.
If you were injured while on the job in Michigan and have questions about your workers’ comp claim, call now at (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 to help.
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 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 law firm has consistently secured the largest settlements in the state and is the best choice for your case. We never charge 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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