Workers compensation lawyer explains what this lawsuit could mean for your Flint case.
We have blogged in the past about how the Michigan Administrative Hearing System (MAHS) has announced the closing of the Flint hearing site. MAHS cited a need to reduce expenditures as its primary reason.
All Flint cases were to be transferred to the Dimondale location starting November 19, 2012. Some residents will now have to drive over 100 miles just to have their case heard by a magistrate.
We chalked this up to another attack by a hostile administration. Reducing Agency resources will undoubtedly make it more difficult for Michigan citizens to fight disputed claims.
Court halts MAHS action
Mlive.com reports on a lawsuit filed in Genesee County seeking to stop MAHS’s plan to close its Flint location. The claim is that Michigan’s workers compensation law requires a hearing to occur in the locality where the injury occurred.
Judge Geoffrey L. Neithercut has ruled that at least one person’s claim cannot be transferred. Whether this applies to all other cases is yet to be determined. A hearing on the matter is currently scheduled for November 13, 2012.
What about other Flint cases
Even if Judge Neithercut stops the Flint location from closing, this issue will most likely be appealed. It is also possible for a legislative “fix” to occur during the Republican lame duck session.
We encourage you to contact Governor Snyder and tell him to protect workers compensation. It’s about time our elected officials put citizens ahead of special interests.
Call (855) 221-2667 to speak with one of our workers compensation lawyers. There is never a 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 review a case.
Related information:
Flint Hearing Site Closing Sooner Than Expected