6 ways employees screw up their Michigan workers comp cases

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today
You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and we pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust, and responsiveness.

How good intentions can undermine recovery and why professional legal assistance is needed with Michigan workers comp cases.

1. Not immediately reporting an injury

Michigan law requires notice of injury within 90 days. Claim is required within 2 years. The problem is that most employers and insurance companies assume you are lying unless it is promptly reported. We routinely hear from clients who wait over the weekend – hoping it is something minor – only to end up with their claim denied.

2. Failing to show-up for an IME

Everyone knows the independent medical examination (IME) is not a fair assessment. These doctors are handpicked by insurance companies and make careers out of testifying against injured workers. Failing to show-up will result in automatic suspension of your benefits. Challenge these biased medical opinions in court with treating medical evidence.

3. Not coming back to work with restrictions

Walking away from a job is an easy way to screw up a workers comp case. It is tempting to be angry with the employer and insurance company. We tell our clients to make an effort and go home if restrictions are being violated. Health and safety should always come first. Attempting to work shows the magistrate that your job was not abandoned.

4. Refusing to perform a good-faith job search

Some insurance companies use “wage earning capacity” to reduce benefits. It does not matter if the person is working or if the job truly exists. Performing a good-faith job search shows that no employer will hire you with restrictions. This is important evidence that can be used at trial.

5. Not following doctors advice

Some of our clients are desperate to return to work. It is extremely difficult to support a family on just 80% of earnings. Asking a doctor to remove restrictions or not following medical advice is a recipe for disaster.

6. Giving up on your case too soon

Insurance companies routinely fight legitimate claims. One insurance company had a dispute rate over 50% in 2011. Don’t let the insurance company play games with your benefits. Call (855) 221-2667 to speak with an experienced workers compensation lawyer in Michigan.

Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. He’s been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers comp benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.

Related information:

Injured On The Job: A Guide to Michigan Workers’ Compensation Law (Free Book)

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by kenteegardin.

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.