Workplace Injuries
Workers compensation lawyer in Michigan
Hurt on the job? Michigan workers compensation should pay for your medical care and part of your lost wages. We connect you with attorneys who handle denied and disputed claims.
Workers compensation is its own system, and it works differently from the other claims on this site. It is a no-fault benefits program, which means you generally do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits after a workplace injury. In exchange, the benefits are defined by statute and administered through the state, not won through a typical injury lawsuit.
We connect injured Michigan workers with attorneys who handle comp claims, especially the ones that get denied, delayed, or cut off. Getting matched is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
What workers compensation covers
Michigan workers compensation generally provides three core benefits:
- Medical treatment that is reasonable and necessary to treat your work injury.
- Wage loss benefits, typically calculated as a portion of your average weekly wage while you cannot work.
- Vocational rehabilitation when your injury keeps you from returning to your former job.
Because it is a benefits system, workers compensation does not pay for pain and suffering the way a personal injury lawsuit can. That is one of the key trade-offs of the system.
How it differs from an injury lawsuit
In most cases you cannot sue your employer for a workplace injury. Workers compensation is meant to be your exclusive remedy against them. That is why these cases are handled through the state's Workers' Disability Compensation Agency rather than a regular court, and why the rules and deadlines are different from a car accident or slip and fall claim.
Denied, delayed, or terminated claims
Many workers come to us because their benefits were denied or stopped. An insurer may dispute that the injury is work related, argue you can return to work, or cut off benefits after an independent medical exam. These disputes are decided through the agency, and an attorney can help you challenge a wrongful denial. You can read about the system at the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency.
When someone other than your employer is at fault
If a third party, such as a negligent driver or an equipment maker, caused your on-the-job injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim in addition to workers compensation. An attorney can identify whether a third-party case applies.
No fee unless you win
The attorneys we connect you with typically work on contingency, so there is no upfront cost. See our No Fee Unless You Win page for details.
Free Case Review
Injured at work? Get matched fast. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Workers Comp FAQ
Michigan workers compensation questions, answered
What does Michigan workers compensation cover?
It generally covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work injury, a portion of your lost wages while you cannot work, and vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your old job. It does not pay for pain and suffering.
Can I sue my employer for a work injury?
Usually no. Workers compensation is meant to be your exclusive remedy against your employer, which is why you generally receive benefits without proving fault but cannot bring a typical lawsuit against them.
What if my claim was denied or cut off?
Denials and terminations are common. An insurer might dispute that your injury is work related or claim you can return to work. These disputes are decided through the state agency, and an attorney can help you challenge a wrongful denial.
How are wage loss benefits calculated?
Benefits are based on a portion of your average weekly wage, subject to state limits. The exact figure depends on your earnings and the nature of your disability, which is one reason having a knowledgeable advocate helps.
Do I have a deadline to report my injury?
Yes. You should report a work injury to your employer promptly, and there are statutory time limits to give notice and to file a claim. Reporting late can put your benefits at risk, so act quickly.
Can I be fired for filing a workers comp claim?
Michigan law prohibits retaliating against an employee for pursuing workers compensation benefits. If you believe you were punished for filing, that is something to raise with an attorney.
Can I have both a comp claim and a personal injury case?
Sometimes. If someone other than your employer, such as a negligent driver or equipment manufacturer, caused your injury, you may have a separate third-party claim in addition to workers compensation. A review can clarify this.
Related practice areas
Other Michigan injury claims we connect people with.
Slip & Fall
Premises liability and owner duty.
Catastrophic Injuries
Brain and spinal injury claims.
Car Accidents
No-fault benefits and crash injury claims.
Michigan No-Fault
PIP benefits and the 2019 reform.
Need a lawyer in your city? Browse all Michigan service areas →
Injured on the job in Michigan?
Connect with a workers compensation attorney who handles denied claims. Free, no obligation, and no fee unless you win.