Lawyer explains about insurance company penalties if your workers’ comp check is late in Michigan.
Many of our clients live paycheck-to-paycheck. It can be a financial disaster if workers’ comp payments are delayed. This leads to a frequently asked question: What if my workers’ comp check is late? Here is some advice we give about protecting your legal rights in Michigan.
Workman’s comp is supposed to be a safety net for employees hurt on-the-job. It covers all medical bills and a percentage of lost wages. The amount paid for lost wages should equal 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage. This is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks out of 52 before the workplace accident occurred. Wage loss payments continue for the entire length of disability.
Wage loss benefits start on the 8th day of disability. This includes time for weekends and holidays. The first payment should be received approximately 7-10 days after entitlement begins. Unfortunately, it can take insurance companies time to process claims. Most claims do not get paid until approximately 15-30 days later.
Our experience shows the length of time greatly increases if the employer refuses to cooperate. We have seen situations where the employer will not acknowledge a workplace accident occurred or provide the necessary documentation to calculate workers’ comp benefits. They just do not care if a Michigan employee’s workers’ comp check is late.
What if my workers’ comp check is late in Michigan?
In Michigan, if your workers’ comp check is late there is a $50 per day penalty if wage loss benefits are not paid within 30 days of becoming due. This penalty is subject to a maximum of $1,500 total. It does not apply if the claim has been disputed.
Insurance companies hate paying penalties and a certified letter usually gets their attention. Make sure to send the certified letter “return receipt requested” so there is proof of mailing. This is a required step if a person wants to get a penalty.
A penalty may also apply to medical bills that are not paid within 30 days after the insurance company receives notice of nonpayment by certified mail. This penalty is limited to $50 or the amount of the bill if it is less.
Penalties only apply to claims that are not disputed. Even frivolous defenses allow the insurance company to escape paying. Watch out for insurance companies who file a Notice of Dispute saying “pending investigation” or other nonsense. These bogus defenses should be challenged in court. Most insurance companies deny penalties even when they are clearly in the wrong.
We recommend that you contact an experienced lawyer if your workers’ comp check is late in Michigan and benefits are not promptly paid. Missing or delayed payments are often a warning sign that benefits are in jeopardy.
One of the “red flags” that we tell people to watch out for is when payments are delayed or missing. Insurance companies typically suspend benefits if they believe an employee is no longer disabled. The independent medical examination (IME) will be scheduled, and workers’ comp benefits will be put on hold. The disabled employee is usually the last to know and has the burden of challenging the dispute.
If your benefit payment is overdue, it is best to call an experienced attorney for a free telephone consultation. There is no fee unless additional benefits or a settlement is obtained. Sometimes just the threat of an attorney gets the insurance company moving.
What to do if your workers' comp check is late in Michigan?
If your Michigan workers’ comp check is late, first confirm the due date and contact your employer and the insurance company to verify delays. Follow up in writing to document your request. If it’s more than 30 days late and your claim isn’t disputed, you may be entitled to penalties. You can also contact the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency or consult an attorney for help. We will explain each step in more detail.
Confirm the due date
In Michigan, if your workers’ comp check is late, the first step is to confirm the due date. Knowing exactly when your payment should have arrived helps you determine whether it is genuinely late or if there is a processing delay. Weekly wage-loss benefits are generally due once entitlement begins, and a payment isn’t considered late until 30 days after it was scheduled. Verifying the due date with your employer or the insurance company ensures you have accurate information before taking further action.
Contact the insurance adjuster and employer
If your Michigan workers’ comp check is late, the next step is to contact both your insurance adjuster and your employer. Reaching out directly allows you to determine whether the delay is due to administrative errors, mailing issues, or another reason. When you call, provide your claim details and ask if the payment has been issued or is being processed. It’s important to document these communications in case the delay continues, as this record can support any penalties or formal actions you may pursue later.
Follow up in writing
If your Michigan workers’ comp check is late after contacting your employer and insurance adjuster, the next step is to follow up in writing. Sending a letter—preferably certified mail with return receipt—creates a clear record of your request and the timeline of your communications. Include your name, claim number, the payment amount, the date it was due, and a request for immediate payment. This written documentation is important if the delay continues, as it can support penalties or formal disputes. We will explain how to escalate your claim and pursue further action if your payment still hasn’t arrived.
Understand penalties for late payments
If your Michigan workers’ comp check is more than 30 days late and your claim isn’t disputed, it’s important to understand the potential penalties for late payments. State law allows you to seek a daily penalty—typically $50 per day—up to a maximum of $1,500, to compensate for the delay. These penalties generally don’t apply if the insurer has formally disputed your claim, even temporarily. Knowing your rights helps you take informed steps to recover what you’re owed. We will explain how to pursue these penalties and ensure your benefits are paid.
Verify a dispute or claim issue
If your Michigan workers’ comp check is late, it’s important to verify if there is a dispute or claim issue. Sometimes delays happen because the insurance company has placed your claim under review, requested an independent medical exam, or temporarily suspended benefits. If you haven’t been notified of a dispute, contact the insurer to confirm whether your claim is in good standing. Understanding whether a dispute exists helps you determine your next steps and protects your right to timely benefits. We will explain how to address disputes and move your claim forward.
Contact our state's Workers' Disability Compensation Agency
If your Michigan workers’ comp check is late and the insurer isn’t responding, you should contact the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. This state agency oversees workers’ comp claims and can provide guidance, help resolve payment delays, and explain your rights. They can also assist with filing formal complaints or requesting a hearing if necessary. Reaching out ensures your claim is being properly handled and helps protect your benefits. We will explain how to work with the agency and what steps to take next.
Contact a lawyer
If your Michigan workers’ comp check is late, you may want to contact a lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you recover overdue payments, pursue penalties, and navigate any disputes or claim issues with the insurance company. They can also represent you in formal hearings or mediation if necessary. Consulting a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and increases the likelihood that your benefits are paid promptly. We will explain how to find the right attorney and what to expect from the process.
Here are some more tips while you wait for a late workers' comp check in Michigan
In Michigan, while waiting for a late workers’ comp check, there are several steps you can take to stay organized and protect your claim. Keep all correspondence, dates, and payment records so you have a clear timeline of communications with your employer and the insurance company. This documentation can be crucial if you need to request penalties or take further action. Use certified mail for important letters to ensure there is proof that your requests were sent and received.
If possible, ask for electronic payments to reduce the risk of delays caused by mailing or processing issues. It’s also important not to assume that a late payment is deliberate; delays often occur due to administrative errors, missing paperwork, or routine processing issues. Staying proactive, organized, and patient while keeping thorough records will help you address any problems efficiently and ensure your benefits are protected.
Injured on the job? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you are collecting work injury benefits after being injured on the job in Michigan and your workers' comp checks are late or you have missing payments, call now to speak with an experienced attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand work comp laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. 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.
Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers 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:
Workers’ Comp Claim Process In Michigan Explained
