Michigan workers’ comp lawyer discusses slip and fall accidents that happen at work and possible recoveries.
Our attorneys have seen all types of workplace accidents over decades of practice. The most common cases our Michigan attorneys work on are by far slip and fall accidents at work. Here is what everyone should know about their legal rights after getting hurt in this type of workplace accident.
What happens if I slip and fall at work in Michigan?
In Michigan, employees who slip and fall on-the-job are covered under workers’ comp. Fault does not matter provided the accident occurred in the course of employment. This includes times before and after hours if on the employer’s premises. Even people who are just clumsy still qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
Medical bills should be covered 100% without any copayments or deductibles being charged to the employee. This includes ambulance runs, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Weekly checks equal to 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage should be paid if an employee cannot perform his or her job. This is calculated using the highest 39 paid weeks out of the 52 weeks before the accident occured. Overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs should be factored into the amount.
What happens if I have a slip and fall when I’m not on the job in Michigan?
If you’re not at work (on the job) at the time of your slip and fall, then workers’ comp does not apply, and you can file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner or manager. An experienced slip and fall lawyer can review your case and help you recover damages including pain and suffering.
Can you sue if injured in this type of accident while on the job?
In Michigan, employees involved in slip and fall accidents cannot sue their employer directly. Workers’ comp is the exclusive remedy. Medical and wage loss is covered but other damages are not permitted. A lawsuit can be filed if the employer does not have workers’ comp insurance or a third-party is negligent.
Employees who are hurt from a slip and fall accident while on the job can sue a negligent third-party. This money would be in addition to anything paid under workers’ comp. These lawsuits are typically against the people responsible for maintaining safe parking lots and sidewalks.
What to do if you slip and fall at work in Michigan?
In Michigan, employees who are involved in a slip and fall accident at work should give notice to their employers right away. This is to protect legal rights should workers’ comp be necessary. Employees have 90 days to give notice and 2 years to make a claim.
Watch out for insurance companies who refuse to pay workers’ comp benefits. Common excuses include the fall and injury did not occur during business hours or was not technically on the employer’s premises. Both situations are covered under specific circumstances. For example, employees who are hurt from a slip and fall in Michigan walking from a designated parking area should be covered. Call an experienced workers’ comp lawyer should benefits get denied.
Need help? Contact our workers’ comp lawyers for a free consultation
If you are an employee who was injured in a slip and fall accident at work in Michigan, call us now to speak with an experienced attorney about your workers’ comp claim, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years and can help you better understand Michigan workers’ comp laws and explain what happens if you have been hurt on the job.
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.
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 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
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