Work injury lawyer discusses what happens at a Michigan workers’ comp settlement hearing (aka redemption hearing) and how payout awards get approved or denied.
Employees who get hurt on-the-job are protected under Michigan law. It covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for life. It also pays wage loss benefits to employees who are disabled for as long as they are in the workforce. Many of our clients want to settle a work injury claim for a lump sum cash payment. This is an attractive option because it allows a person to move on with their life. Here is what happens at a Michigan workers’ comp settlement hearing.
What happens at a workers’ comp settlement hearing in Michigan?
In Michigan, what happens at a workers’ comp settlement hearing is that a magistrate reviews the case facts and medical records to decide if the payout is fair, legal, and in the employee’s best interests. The settlement must meet the goals of the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act and the deal must be voluntary.
What determines if a payout amount will be approved or denied?
A person is usually required to appear and testify on their behalf. It is important not to rely upon insurance company lawyers to get the lump sum cash payment approved. They typically do not have your best interests at heart and will not fully explain all legal rights. Just because a magistrate approve a lump sum cash payment does not mean that it represents maximum value or that problems with other benefits will not develop in the future.
In Michigan, at a workers’ comp settlement hearing, the magistrate will consider specific facts to determine what will happen next—whether to approve or deny the proposed payout amount. For example, the extent of disability, any other benefits payable and the effect a settlement might have, intended use of the settlement proceeds. Medical records will also be reviewed. An agreement will be denied if it does not appear to be appropriate under the circumstances.
Hire an experienced work injury lawyer to increase the value of your case!
We recommend hiring a lawyer before discussing a payout agreement with the insurance company. Attorneys can make the workplace injury case more valuable by developing medical and vocational evidence first. This means more money in an individual’s pocket. Attorney fees are limited to a relatively small percentage of the total and will be easily made up through higher amounts. There is never an attorney fee if a payout award is not obtained. Don’t feel pressure to go through this legal process before having it reviewed by an attorney!
What happens at a workers’ comp settlement hearing if a person is represented by a lawyer?
In Michigan, at a workers’ comp settlement hearing where a person happens to be represented by a lawyer, the magistrate will typically accept an affidavit, so a person does not have to attend and personally testify. The lawyer will take care of all the closing documents and make sure no problems occur in the future. The lawyer can also convince a reluctant magistrate to approve the lump sum cash payment without tipping off the insurance company that a person is ready to move on to another job.
Injured while on the job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers for a free consultation.
If you were injured on the job in Michigan and you have questions surrounding what happens at a workers’ comp settlement hearing and need help with your 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 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.
Related information:
