Michigan lawyer discusses a tendonitis workers comp claims, settlements and how to protect your legal rights under workers’ comp law.
We have experience with all types of work-related medical conditions. One of the most common diagnosis that we see is tendonitis. This is when a tendon becomes inflamed, irritated, or suffers microscopic tears. It usually occurs from overuse or overload of a body part. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Common treatment for tendonitis includes rest, ice, medication, using a splint/brace, and rarely surgery. It is common to develop tendonitis in your shoulder (epicondylitis), elbow, wrist, knee, or ankle. Here is some information about Michigan tendonitis workers’ comp claims and settlements.
Is tendonitis covered under workers’ comp in Michigan?
In Michigan, tendonitis is covered under workers’ comp. All medical treatment should be covered without any copayments or deductibles being owed. Lost wages equal to 80% of a person’s after-tax average weekly wage should also be paid. Benefits continue for as long as needed.
Michigan law allows disabled workers to trade workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This amount of money is tax free and can be used for any purpose. Many of our clients use settlement money for medical treatment or vocational retraining. Some find a new job, start a business, or simply retire. It is a good option when a person can no longer perform the requirements of their job. Here are some issues to consider when thinking about a settlement:
Medical benefits
All reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be covered under workers’ comp. There are no co-payments or deductibles owed. Employees are permitted to choose their own doctor after 28 days from the start of medical care. We tell our clients to find the best doctor available and insist workers’ comp pays the bills. It is a good idea to get an idea about future medical needs because this can be used to increase the value of any tendonitis workers’ comp settlement in Michigan. Watch out for the independent medical examination (IME) because these insurance company doctors are used to cut-off medical treatment.
Lost wages
Employees who are unable to perform their jobs are entitled to payment of lost wages. The amount should equal 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage. Overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and second jobs must be included. Watch out for employers who force light duty work that is beyond restrictions. Insurance companies also try to use “wage earning capacity” to reduce or eliminate these payments. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can ensure the correct amount is paid and this could make all the difference when negotiating a fair settlement.
Insurance companies
Watch out for insurance companies who dispute these claims. They use so called “independent” doctors to say a person is fine and can work. It does not matter what their own doctor says. Biased medical reports should be challenged with other evidence. It will be up to a magistrate to determine whether medical and/or wage loss benefits should be paid.
Tendonitis workers’ comp settlement
In Michigan, most tendonitis workers’ comp settlement claims are paid voluntarily. The insurance company covers medical bills and lost wages. Employees get better and return to work. Employees who find benefits disputed should talk with an attorney. It is possible to get a lump sum cash payment through settlement.
The decision to settle a claim is not easy. Careful thought should be given to medical needs and return to work ability. We recommend coming up with a plan for the future and trying to get enough money to make it viable. Unfortunately, insurance companies think of settlement as a business decision. They don’t want to pay anything but the bare minimum. This means proving entitlement to future medical treatment and wage loss benefits is critical to getting a fair settlement. Contact an experienced Michigan workers’ comp lawyer to understand legal rights and get a fair settlement.
Suffering from tendonitis caused by work activities and have questions about your workers’ comp claim or settlement options? Our attorneys can help!
If you are suffering from tendonitis casued by work activities in Michigan and need help with your workers’ comp claim or have questions about settlement options, 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.
Related information:
Repetitive Strain Injury And Workers’ Compensation Claims Explained
