Michigan workers comp attorney lists warning signs that could indicate your benefits are in jeopardy.
Our law firm has over 100 years of combined experience in workers comp. This allows us to anticipate how an insurance company will view a claim and when benefits may be stopped.
Losing your workers comp benefits can be devastating. Here are some red flags that you should know about and some information on how to deal with these issues.
Independent medical examination
You are required by law to submit to an independent medical examination (IME). This gives your employer or its insurance company the chance to have you examined by a doctor of their choice. There is nothing independent about this examination and many doctors make a career out of testifying against injured workers.
If you are scheduled for an IME, this is usually the first indication that your workers comp benefits may be stopped. You must attend the IME or you could automatically forfeit your workers comp benefits.
It is extremely important that you provide the IME doctor with an accurate history of injury. Take some time before the examination to think about when and how you were hurt. Describe your pain and why you cannot work. Don’t exaggerate or fake symptoms as this can be discovered during the physical examination.
Aggressive nurse case manager
The insurance company may hire a nurse case manager to help manage your medical care. This is supposed to help you recover from injury. Some nurse case managers are extremely aggressive and only care about saving the insurance company money.
A nurse case manager should never interfere with the recommendations of your doctor. You have the right to be included in the medical recovery process and to follow your own course of treatment.
Insurance adjuster with a bad attitude
The most common complaint our office receives is about rude claims adjusters. Our clients report that medical treatment is not authorized, checks are late, and telephone calls are not returned. This usually occurs after you have been paid workers comp benefits for an extended period of time.
You should always be polite and try to cooperate. Do not make your situation worse by making it personal. If your legal rights are being ignored or abused, call a workers comp lawyer.
To speak with one of our workers compensation attorneys, call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless you recover benefits.
– Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. Hes been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.
Related Information:
Video: Injured at work? Advice from a Michigan workers comp lawyer
FAQs about workers compensation to help protect you
