Michigan workers’ comp lawyer gives reasons why medical bills and lost wages are stopped without notice.
Many people live paycheck to paycheck and getting hurt on the job can be very difficult. They don’t understand their legal rights, and it seems like the deck is stacked against them from the start. One of the biggest concerns is: Can workers’ comp stop paying benefits without notice in Michigan? The answer is “yes,” but there are rules that still must be followed.
Can workers’ comp stop paying benefits without notice in Michigan?
Yes, workers’ comp can stop paying benefits without notice in Michigan. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies look for any reason to dispute a claim. They do so without notice and many of our clients find out when the checks don’t arrive. A Notice of Dispute is often filed after the fact.
The burden will be on the employee to file an Application for Mediation or Hearing (Form 104A) and challenge the denial. Here is our list of reasons workers’ comp benefits get stopped without notice.
Independent Medical Examination (IME)
Insurance companies are permitted to have people examined by a doctor of their own choosing. These IME doctors are biased since they make careers out of testifying against disabled employees. Insurance companies use the same doctors repeatedly because they know what to expect. It is important to note that workers’ comp can stop paying benefits without notice in Michigan if they have a medical opinion that says an employee has recovered or was never hurt in the first place.
Failure to return to reasonable employment (light duty)
Employers do not have to pay wage loss benefits if they offer a job within a disabled employee’s restrictions. The problem is most of these so-called “light duty” jobs are designed to make a person quit. We have seen employers force people to watch empty parking lots or file useless paperwork in the office. Sometimes the job is beyond restrictions, and the employee is told to “suck it up.” Workers’ comp can stop paying benefits without notice in Michigan if an employee refuses reasonable employment and walks off the job. We tell our clients to try any job offered and challenge employers who play games.
Post-Injury Wage Earning Capacity Assessment (PIWEC)
Insurance companies use labor market surveys to say other jobs are available within someone’s qualifications, training, and restrictions. Wage loss benefits get reduced or stopped based upon “phantom wages” from a job that might not truly exist. Workers’ comp can stop paying wage loss benefits without notice in Michigan and they do frequently when using the PIWEC calculation. The burden is on the disabled employee to challenge it in court.
Surveillance and activity checks
Insurance companies routinely have people followed by private investigators. They are looking for evidence that a claim might not be 100% legitimate. Social media will also be closely examined, and posted items taken out of context to show a person is not truthful about his or her disability. Workers’ comp can stop paying benefits without notice in Michigan based upon surveillance and activity checks. It happens frequently. Make sure to call an experienced workman’s comp attorney should your benefits get cut-off.
Need help with your claim? Contact our lawyers now for a free consultation!
If workers’ comp stopped paying without notice in Michigan, 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 work injury claim and settlement 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 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:
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