Michigan lawyer discusses a workers’ comp settlement for tinnitus.
Michigan work injury law protects employees who develop occupational diseases. This includes medical conditions like hearing loss. Many of our clients ask about a workers’ comp settlement for tinnitus because they know it will be difficult to return to their jobs. Here is some information that everyone with hearing loss should know.
Tinnitus is when an employee has ringing in one or both of their ears. It is not from an external sound and other people usually cannot hear it. Exposure to loud noises, such as those from heavy equipment, firearms, or construction, cause this medical condition to develop. Symptoms include ringing in the ears or other sounds, and this can interfere with an employee’s ability to concentrate at work. Other complications include stress, fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, and depression.
Michigan law covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment 100% without any copayments or deductibles being owed by the employee. Wage loss benefits should also be paid to compensate for missed time. This amount is based upon 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage including overtime and discontinued fringe benefits.
Average workers’ comp settlement for tinnitus
In Michigan, there isn’t a specified amount for a workers’ comp settlement for tinnitus. The statistics published by the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average payout for a workplace injury in Michigan for 2022 was just $62,315.56. This is not a lot of money for someone with tinnitus who will need significant medical care and work restrictions.
The payout amount awarded is going to depend upon how much money the insurance company thinks it must pay in medical and wage loss benefits. Insurance companies look at future medical needs and how long a person is expected to be disabled to calculate settlement amounts. Insurance companies know the value of claims and they do not want to overpay. Watch out for insurance company doctors who write biased medical reports that are used to cut-off benefits.
What is a good payout amount?
We tell our clients that a good workers’ comp settlement for tinnitus provides enough money to cover future medical treatment and sufficient time off from work. Never accept a low-ball settlement offer without fully understanding legal rights. Employees who accept the payout amount awarded without understanding its impact on government benefits could be in trouble. We recommend speaking with an experienced work injury to ensure that Medicare compliance issues are properly addressed.
Talk to your treating doctor.
It is also a good idea to have a frank conversation with a treating doctor before accepting a workers’ comp settlement for tinnitus. He or she can explain what future medical treatment might be needed and how it could impact the ability to work. Some employees cannot return to work in a loud environment and must know their restrictions.
It should be up to a treating doctor to establish work restrictions. If the employer cannot accommodate work restrictions, wage loss benefits should be paid. This can impact the value of any workers’ comp settlement for tinnitus because less money owed means less money paid. Never quit a job or retire without understanding the legal consequences. It is very important to speak with a work injury lawyer so that mistakes are not made that could jeopardize a settlement.
Injured at work? Call our attorneys now!
To speak with an experienced work injury attorney, call us now, 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 people injured on the job for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan work injury laws and what happens after someone has 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 employees exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Long Term Disability vs. Workers’ Comp In Michigan: What’s The Difference?
