Work injury attorney discusses spinal cord injury claim in Michigan and important benefits the insurance company won’t always tell you about.
A workers’ comp spinal cord injury can turn a person’s life upside down. It can result in lifetime medical expenses and permanent work restrictions. Chronic pain and weakness can interfere with the ability to live a normal life. Some people develop paralysis that interferes with their ability to walk or move. Michigan law protects employees who are hurt on-the-job. Here is a breakdown of what the insurance company should be paying.
Legal right to medical treatment after a workers’ comp spinal cord injury claim in Michigan
Access to medical care is one of the most important benefits when someone has a workers’ comp spinal cord injury claim in Michigan. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be covered. This includes ambulance trips, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, home nursing care, medications, physical therapy, injections, surgery, and durable medical equipment.
Family members can be paid up to 56 hours each week for helping with activities of daily living. This is called attendant care, and a doctor needs to write a prescription for the number of hours required. How much should be paid depends upon the type of services rendered but it should generally add up to what a professional would charge.
Insurance companies should also pay mileage to and from medical appointments. Travel reimbursement rates are .70 cents per mile for 2025. It is also possible to get reimbursement for meals and lodging when travelling a far distance for necessary medical treatment.
Legal right to home and vehicle modifications
Michigan workers’ comp also covers home and vehicle modifications if they are necessary due to your spinal cord injury. The insurance company is responsible for modifying a house, so it is livable. Some items that are covered include wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, lowering kitchen cabinets, and making bathrooms accessible. Insurance companies can also be made to modify vehicles. Adding a wheelchair ramp and hand controls are very common.
Legal right to lost wages after a workers’ comp spinal injury claim
Individuals who have a workers’ comp spinal cord injury claim in Michigan should also get wage loss benefits. The amount is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks out of the 52 paid weeks before the workplace injury occurred. Eighty percent of the after-tax average weekly wage should be paid.
Watch out for insurance companies who try to reduce the weekly rate based upon post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC). This is when they say a person is only partially disabled and can find another job somewhere else. It is never a fair assessment and must be challenged.
Legal right to vocational rehabilitation
Some people who have a workers’ comp spinal cord injury claim in Michigan want to find a new career. It is possible to get the insurance company to cover two years of vocational rehabilitation. This money can be used for education and retraining. Watch out for vocational counselors who are hired to simply find a new job and do not have best interests at heart.
Important considerations for your workers’ comp spinal cord injury claim
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury at work in Michigan, understanding the key factors that affect your workers’ comp claim is essential. From promptly reporting your injury and documenting its severity to exploring potential third-party claims and securing knowledgeable legal representation, each step plays a critical role in protecting your rights and maximizing your benefits. Below are important considerations to help guide you through this complex process.
Reporting the incident
In Michigan, when it comes to workers’ comp cases involving spinal cord injuries, promptly reporting the injury to your employer after a workplace accident is crucial to protect your rights and meet important deadlines. Timely notification is often required by work injury laws and company policies to qualify for benefits. Delaying the report can jeopardize your claim and may result in denial of medical coverage or lost wages. By informing your employer quickly, you help ensure that your injury is properly documented and that you can start the necessary medical treatment and claims process without unnecessary delays. This early action is vital to securing the compensation and support you need during recovery.
Severity of injury
The severity of a spinal cord injury can significantly impact a workers’ comp claim in Michigan. More severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and may result in permanent disabilities, all of which can increase the value of your claim. The extent of the injury affects the types and amounts of benefits you may be entitled to, including wage replacement, medical coverage, and disability compensation. Additionally, severe spinal cord injuries might qualify for lifetime benefits or special vocational rehabilitation services. Accurately documenting the severity of your injury is essential to ensuring you receive the full compensation and support needed for your recovery and quality of life.
Third party claims
In cases involving spinal cord injuries at work, pursuing a third-party claim can significantly impact a Michigan workers’ comp case. While workers’ comp provides benefits for injuries sustained on the job, it typically doesn’t cover damages caused by a third party’s negligence—such as a defective product or a careless contractor. Filing a third-party lawsuit can allow injured workers to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages beyond workers’ comp limits, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation. However, any recovery from a third-party claim may affect your workers’ comp benefits, as the insurance company often has a right to be reimbursed for payments already made. Navigating both claims simultaneously can be complex, making it essential to work with an experienced attorney who can maximize your compensation while protecting your rights.
Legal representation
Consulting with a workers’ comp lawyer after a spinal cord injury in Michigan is highly beneficial because these cases can be complex and involve significant medical and financial challenges. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system, ensuring that your injury is properly documented and that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to, including medical care, wage replacement, and disability benefits. They can also assist in handling any disputes with your employer or the insurance company and guide you through filing any necessary appeals. Additionally, if a third-party claim is possible, a lawyer can help coordinate that alongside your workers’ comp case to maximize your compensation. Having legal support early on provides peace of mind and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Suffered a spinal cord injury on the job in Michigan and need help with your workers’ comp claim? Contact our lawyers for a free consultation
If you suffered a spinal cord injury at work in Michigan 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 workers’ comp 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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