Partially disabled employees who find alternate employment can find their wage loss benefits reduced or eliminated.
We have clients with different jobs. Some of them are skilled and technical. Others do heavy physical labor and rely upon their bodies to get work done. What everyone has in common is the need for wage loss benefits when they are unable to work. Workers’ comp is a safety net that covers lost wages for partially disabled employees. A frequently asked question is: How many hours can you work on workers’ comp in Michigan?
A disabled employee should receive 80% of his or her after-tax average weekly wage, subject to a state-wide maximum. This is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks out of the 52 weeks before the workplace accident. Overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs that cannot be performed anymore should be included. A weekly comp rate is then calculated using tax filing status and number of dependents.
Partially disabled employees can work any number of hours while on workers’ comp in Michigan, but this income will be used to offset any wage loss benefits. Medical treatment should continue regardless.
How many hours can you work while on workers’ comp in Michigan?
Partially disabled employees are still entitled to wage loss benefits under workers’ comp. They are free to work any number of hours they choose but earned income will be used as an offset against wage loss benefits. Medical treatment should continue to be paid as needed.
Some disabled employees on workers’ comp in Michigan are brought back under restrictions and only allowed to work a limited number of hours. This is called “reasonable employment” or “favored work.” It is a job that poses no danger to health and safety. It must also be a reasonable distance from a disabled employee’s home. Any income earned will be used as an offset to wage loss benefits under workers’ comp. Partially disabled employees who are earning less money can make a claim for differential benefits.
Many of our partially disabled clients also find new jobs that can be performed within their physical limitations. Workers’ comp should pay differential wage loss benefits if they are earning less money. However, our experience shows that insurance companies view any return to work as a reason to dispute payment of additional benefits. We recommend speaking with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer should this occur.
Partially disabled employees should also watch out for insurance companies who use post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC) to reduce what is paid. This is when the insurance company says a person can work but does not actually offer a job. It is based upon transferable skills and a labor market survey. It might be 0 hours of work on workers’ comp if the insurance company already believes a person can find alternative employment. Call a workers’ comp lawyer immediately should this happen.
Injured while on-the-job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers now for a free consultation!
If you were injured while on the job in Michigan and have questions about how many hours you can work on workers’ comp, 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 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 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 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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