Employees hurt on the job are usually eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Wage loss benefits: 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage. Lost wages should be paid while an employee is disabled.
Reasonable and necessary medical care: your employer or its insurance company should cover all your work-related medical bills, medications, and other healthcare costs.
Vocational rehabilitation: if you cannot return to your past work, you can get help finding another job (this can include returning to school to learn new skills). However, some insurance companies use vocational rehabilitation to pressure workers into settling their cases.
Attendant care: family members can get paid up to 56 hours each week for helping with activities of daily living.
Mileage: the insurance company should compensate you for driving to and from doctor’s appointments.
Equipment and home modifications: medical devices (like wheelchairs, prosthetics, and TENS units) and vehicle and home modifications should be covered when appropriate.
However, employers can dispute your benefits at any time. If the insurance company is sending you to an IME (independent medical examination) or a vocational counselor of their choosing, these are red flags—and you should immediately consult with a Michigan workers’ comp lawyer.
If your benefits are terminated, you must file an Application for Mediation or Hearing to challenge the dispute—your attorney can help you with this process.