Detroit Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Workplace Accident

Uncertain about what actions to take after a work injury? It’s vital to report your injury without delay, even if you feel you might be at fault, provided no unlawful acts were committed. For occupational illnesses that emerge over time, like mesothelioma, or repetitive strain conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, immediate reporting upon medical diagnosis and establishing its connection to your work is key.

Inform your employer or supervisor right after the injury happens, no matter how serious or you think it might be – even if it results in missed workdays. Ensure your report captures the date, time, and details of the incident. Submitting this in a written format is advisable. If a medical professional diagnoses you with a work-related ailment, relay this information promptly. Always report injuries to your supervisor or the person responsible for injury documentation.

By promptly reporting injuries, recording medical findings, bills, and lodging your claim, you fortify your position if your employer attempts to challenge, diminish, or outright reject your workers’ compensation request.

Is a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Necessary in Michigan?

All workers are entitled to self-representation when submitting a worker’s compensation claim. However, this might put them at a notable disadvantage. Legal teams representing insurance companies rigorously safeguard their clients, working hard to limit payout benefits. That is why it’s paramount for employees to have Detroit workers’ compensation attorneys who are familiar with the process of submitting WC claims in the area representing them.

Even for those already receiving workers’ compensation, discussing with a seasoned lawyer can shed light on whether the benefits received are just. Such counsel can also help an employee counter any insurance company-led challenge to their medical treatments or benefits.

For grave work-related injuries or ailments, having a lawyer is often indispensable. Whether you’re injured, diagnosed with a job-related ailment, or feel unjustly treated, reaching out to a workers’ compensation lawyer is prudent. Even if you’re confident in handling matters solo, a lawyer will shepherd you through your claim from beginning to end, and their fee comes only after a successful case outcome.

Why Hire a Detroit Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

While the workers’ compensation system is intended to fairly compensate injured employees on a prompt basis, it often seems biased towards employers and insurance firms. Having a workers’ compensation attorney means you’re insulated from direct interactions with the insurance provider – they handle these communications. Moreover, insurance claim handlers often schedule an independent medical review, typically with a physician on their payroll. Such doctors might undervalue your injury or try to shift the blame to an outside cause. Obligatory attendance at these sessions can lead to benefit forfeiture if missed. A Detroit workers’ compensation lawyer can support you throughout this process, updating you on major developments, letting you concentrate on healing, and assuring fair, unbiased injury assessments.

Dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers endeavor to obtain the highest compensation for their clients. Engaging an injury attorney becomes especially critical under certain scenarios:

• Employer denies the claim or delays benefit payments.
• The employer’s settlement offer doesn’t sufficiently cover lost income or medical bills.
• The injury prevents the employee from resuming their former role.
• The injury hinders any form of work.
• The injury restricts the worker’s work capacity significantly.
• The worker is either receiving or planning to obtain Social Security disability benefits.
• Employer lacks workers’ compensation insurance.
• Employer retaliates against a worker for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
• Injury resulted from a third party’s actions or employer’s grave negligence.

Even if your matter doesn’t progress to court, consulting our team of attorneys in Michigan can simplify the daunting task of negotiating with your employer and their insurer.

How Can Workers’ Comp Attorneys Help?

Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP, renowned for our elite team of workers’ compensation lawyers, is committed to assisting workers injured on the job and unjustly denied their workers’ compensation rights. Harnessing our vast experience in championing worker rights, our Detroit workers’ compensation attorneys shepherd clients through the often tangled and demanding process of securing the compensation they’re owed. Our workers’ compensation attorneys manage a wide range of work injury claims, including:

• Injuries to numerous body parts, such as shoulders, back, eyes, neck, lungs, knees, ankles, wrists, feet, and hands.
• Repetitive motion injuries like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Hearing impairment or loss.
• Cranial injuries like TBIs or concussions from falls or dropped objects.
• Frostbite or injuries from incidents like electrocution or machinery failure.
• Illnesses from toxin exposure, like occupational diseases including mesothelioma or Black Lung.
• Muscular damages, fractures, ligament tears, herniated discs from actions like lifting or falls.

Our workers’ compensation lawyers also handle third-party claims. Even though workers’ compensation typically implies no-fault on the part of employers, individuals injured in workplace accidents may pursue legal action against the manufacturers of machinery, products, or equipment that contributed to their injuries, in addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim. These third-party claims are typically based on factors like unsafe working conditions, insufficient training, or defective equipment.

What Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Secure For You?

Workers’ compensation attorneys at Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP are wholly dedicated to aiding Detroit residents who’ve sustained workplace injuries. Our attorneys handle a vast range of workers’ compensation claims, ensuring our clients obtain the benefits they rightfully deserve. Compensation amounts can vary based on numerous factors, such as the injury’s gravity, the recovery time, and the incurred medical expenses. Nevertheless, our esteemed attorneys can help you secure:

• Medical expense reimbursements, which encompass surgical operations, medicines, physical therapy, medical apparatus, and doctor visits.
• Temporary total disability benefits for workers incapable of returning to work for a duration post their injury.
• Permanent partial disability benefits for workers who’ve experienced a lasting disability, but can continue working in some capacity.
• Permanent total disability benefits for workers debilitated to a degree that precludes any employment.
• Death benefits for families and dependents of workers who’ve tragically succumbed to their injuries.
• Vocational rehabilitation support for retraining or counseling, assisting workers to transition to different roles due to their injuries.

Furthermore, if an injured worker believes they were subjected to employer negligence that caused their injury, they could file a personal injury lawsuit, separate from the workers’ compensation claim. This could lead to compensation for pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages not covered under workers’ comp. Our Detroit workers’ compensation lawyers are well-versed in handling such personal injury claims and can guide clients throughout this complex process.

Detroit Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

The workers’ compensation claim process can appear daunting, particularly when confronting large insurance companies. Our Detroit workers’ compensation attorneys demystify this procedure, giving clients peace of mind.

Reporting the Injury: The worker promptly notifies their employer post-injury or diagnosis. This report must be in writing and contain comprehensive details.
Claim Filing: The worker submits a claim to the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. Documentation supporting the injury and its impact on the worker’s life must be included.
Claim Review: The insurance provider reviews the claim to ascertain the eligibility of the worker for benefits.
Acceptance or Denial: Insurance firms might approve the claim, granting the worker their entitled benefits. If denied, the worker has recourse to appeal the decision. Often, claims face rejection due to discrepancies in the documentation or the employer disputing the injury’s occurrence at work.
Mediation and Hearings: Should the claim face rejection, our Detroit workers’ compensation attorneys can represent clients at mediations and hearings, working to overturn the denial. Often, disputes get resolved during mediation. If not, they move to a formal hearing. It’s critical to have skilled legal representation at these stages to advocate for your rights and present a compelling case.
Receiving Compensation: Once the claim gets approval, the injured worker will start receiving their due compensation. This can be in lump-sum amounts or periodic payments, contingent on the circumstances and the agreement’s specifics.