Agency statistics paint bleak picture for plaintiffs seeking workers compensation benefits.
Statistics for 2014 do not look promising for plaintiffs. Only 10 open awards have been granted so far this year. This is contrasted by 26 denials. If you include 12 closed periods, the chances of recovery at trial are less than 50%.
Michigan’s workers compensation law is a compromise of employer and employee interests. It was intended to be remedial and liberally construed to grant, rather than deny, benefits.
The blame falls squarely on the Michigan Legislature when it amended the Act in 2011 making it much harder to prove a case. Many people are forced to settle cheaply or walk away with nothing.
Magistrate Statistics
Open Closed Denied
Boyle 0 0 1
Castora 0 1 4
Colombo 2 0 0
Grunewald 0 1 4
Klaeren 0 0 2
Kurtz 2 0 1
Logan 0 2 2
McAree 1 1 2
McMurray 0 0 1
Ognisanti 1 0 2
Slater 0 2 2
Timmons 1 2 2
Tjapkes 3 1 1
Williams 0 1 0
Woons 0 1 2
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
WCA: Magistrate Disposition Statistics (8/31/14)
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by SugarCubeVintage.