Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Traverse City

Representing the Rights of Workers in Grand Traverse County, Western Michigan, & Northern Michigan

If you were injured on the job, you may be faced with a variety of challenges that add pressure to your situation. You may have mounting medical bills as a result of hospital stays, prescription medications, or any surgeries that are needed to treat your injuries, and chances are, you’ve had to miss work to focus on recovering. You may even know that you have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits but may fear being retaliated against by your employer, or be intimidated by the paperwork process.

At Miller Embury PLLC, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Traverse City, MI want to help our clients ease their burdens by seeking the benefits they deserve when they’ve been injured on the job. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, (NCCI), bone fractures, crushes, and dislocations have required an average of $98,126 per workers’ compensation claim in 2016 and 2017.

Call our team if you’ve been involved in a workplace accident and need help filing for workers’ compensation benefits at (888) 224-1239, or contact us online.

Workers’ Comp Eligibility & Benefits

Regardless of who is at fault for your injuries, as long as you’re an employee and were injured on the job, you may receive benefits.

The four basic eligibility requirements for workers’ comp benefits include:

• You must be an employee
• Your employer must carry workers’ comp insurance
• You must have a work-related injury or illness
• You must meet your state’s deadlines – for reporting the injury, and for filing a claim

However, there are special rules for certain workers like domestic workers, agricultural and farm workers, seasonal workers, and undocumented workers. Our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge needed to help you learn more about how you can qualify to receive benefits.

Workers’ compensation benefits cover most of the damages you’ve sustained as a result of your injuries, but it’s important to note that unlike personal injury lawsuits, workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering.

Workers’ comp insurance typically covers:

• Medical care from injuries/illnesses
• Costs for retraining you for another job, known as "vocational rehabilitation"
• Wage loss benefits as a result of having to miss work, or losing your job due to injuries
• Benefits to survivors of workers killed on the job, including funeral costs
• Attendant care benefits
• Medical mileage benefits

Common Workers’ Comp Injuries

Workplace accidents can happen to anyone – not just construction workers. While workers with manual labor-related jobs in high-risk industries like logging, construction, roofing, and more are known to get injured in accidents, people working in typical American offices can suffer, too.

Common injuries that workers can receive benefits for include:

• Injuries from slip and falls: Employees can slip and fall anywhere, from on a wet surface in the cafeteria to on an uneven rug by their desks. Falls can cause numerous injuries from sprains to breaks, to traumatic brain injuries. People can also fracture or sprain their wrists when they try to stop the fall. According to the NCCCI, slip and fall workers’ comp claims cost about $46,592 per claim.
• Injuries from being struck by objects: These injuries can occur when an object falls onto an employee, or an employee falls into something. Common instances involve retail store objects falling from shelves, as well as machinery or tools falling in factories or on construction sites.
• Injuries from highway accidents: Delivery drivers, semi-truck drivers, and police officers can apply for workers’ compensation benefits if they were injured while driving. Injuries can include whiplash, broken bones, brain and head trauma, and spinal cord and neck injuries.

The Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act

If you’re a worker in Michigan, your injuries are governed by the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act, which was first passed in 1912 to provide compensation to workers who suffer injuries on the job and to protect employers from liability.

Under this law, injured workers must give notice of an injury within 90 days of their accident and make a claim for benefits within two years. There are other stipulations that many other state workers’ compensation programs don’t have. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Western & Northern Michigan understand our state’s specific laws and can help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding the Workers' Compensation Claims Process

Filing a workers' compensation claim can be a complex and overwhelming process. At Miller Embury PLLC, our experienced workers' compensation attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the way and ensure that your rights are protected.

Here is a breakdown of the workers' compensation claims process:

1. Reporting the Injury: It is crucial to report your workplace injury to your employer as soon as possible. This will initiate the claims process and ensure that your case is properly documented.
2. Filing the Claim: Our attorneys will assist you in completing and filing the necessary paperwork to initiate your workers' compensation claim. We will ensure that all required information is included and that deadlines are met.
3. Investigation and Evaluation: Once your claim is filed, the insurance company will conduct an investigation to determine the validity of your claim. They may request additional medical documentation or conduct interviews with involved parties.
4. Negotiation and Settlement: Our skilled attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We will fight for your rights and advocate for fair and just settlement terms.
5. Appeals and Litigation: In the event that your claim is denied or you are not satisfied with the settlement offer, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We have extensive experience in workers' compensation litigation and will fight for your rights in the courtroom.

By choosing Miller Embury PLLC as your workers' compensation attorneys, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and dedication. We are committed to helping injured workers in Traverse City, MI navigate the complex workers' compensation system and obtain the benefits they deserve.

Why Choose Miller Embury PLLC for Your Workers' Compensation Case?

When it comes to your workers' compensation case, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome. At Miller Embury PLLC, we have a team of experienced workers' compensation attorneys who are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Traverse City and throughout Northern & Western Michigan.

Here's why you should choose us:

• Expertise: Our attorneys specialize in workers' compensation law and have a deep understanding of the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act. We stay up-to-date with the latest changes in the law to ensure we provide the best representation for our clients.
• Experience: With years of experience in handling workers' compensation cases, we have successfully represented numerous clients and obtained favorable outcomes. We know the tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims, and we know how to counter them.
• Personalized Approach: We understand that every workers' compensation case is unique, and we take the time to listen to our clients and understand their specific needs and goals. We tailor our legal strategies to each individual case, ensuring the best possible outcome.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We are not afraid to take on insurance companies and fight for the rights of our clients. We will aggressively advocate for your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom, to maximize your workers' compensation benefits.
• Compassionate Support: We understand that being injured on the job can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Our attorneys and staff are committed to providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the entire claims process, ensuring you have the information and resources you need.

Don't navigate the complex workers' compensation system alone. Contact Miller Embury PLLC today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call us if you’re ready to recover at (888) 224-1239 – we offer a free, no-obligation consultation.