Workers' Compensation in Michigan is an employee benefit
established in 1912 by the Michigan Legislature. Today,
it is administered by the Michigan Department of Consumer
and Industry Services, Bureau of Workers' Disability Compensation
and covers most employees.
Compensation is provided for disability or death as a
result of a work related injury or disease, without regard
to who may be at fault. Benefits are paid by employers
(either directly or through their insurance carriers)
and are not to be confused with health or accident insurance.
Generally speaking, your right to recover benefits as
provided in the Workers' Disability Compensation Act is
your exclusive remedy against your employer for work related
injuries or diseases. Employees do not have the right
to sue employers for benefits not provided for in the
Workers' Disability Compensation Act unless the employee
is able to prove that the employer intended to injure
him/her.
Workers' Disability Compensation Benefits include reasonable
medical care for work-related injuries or diseases. This
includes medical, surgical, nursing, and prescription
services, and, under certain conditions, dental care,
crutches, and such artificial appliances as limbs, eyes,
teeth, eyeglasses, hearing aids.
You are also entitled to weekly compensation benefits
for as long as disability and wage loss continue. Specific
amounts and calculations depend upon the date and type
of your injury.
In the event that you are required to return to work
at a job paying less than you were earning at the time
of your injury because of your inability to work at your
previous job, you may still be entitled to partial compensation
benefits.
If you lose an eye, finger, arm, or other body member,
you may be entitled to a specific amount for a prescribed
number of weeks. If at the end of the specific loss period,
you still have a wage loss due to the injury or disease,
you may be entitled to further compensation.
Prompt payment of benefits is required by law. The first
payment is due on the 14th day after the employer has
notice or knowledge of disability or death. Thereafter,
all accrued compensation will be payed weekly. If the
payments are not forthcoming, call us immediately.
The above gives only a brief summary of your rights under
the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act. If
you have any questions about your rights, please call
us or fill out the online consultation form. There is
no charge for a consultation.
