Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Grand Rapids

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

  616-456-3400 is the non-emergency line of the police in Grand Rapids.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

  Record requests in Grand Rapids are processed by the police at 616-456-4177. The office is at 1 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, 49503.

• Is it possible to claim workers' compensation in Grand Rapids if you have a pre-existing condition?

  No, having a pre-existing medical condition such as hypertension or asthma does not preclude you from claiming workers' compensation benefits. It does, however, complicate matters because the cause of the workplace injury must be medically distinguished from the claimant's latent issues. One must demonstrate more than an increase in pain and a subsequent event that resulted in a new or worsened malady.

• What is the minimum size of a business in Grand Rapids before it is required to carry workers' compensation insurance?

  In Grand Rapids, if a company has three or more employees working fewer than 35 hours per week, the law mandates that the company obtain workers' compensation insurance. Even if there are fewer than three people involved in the operation, the business must have insurance if any one employee works 35 or more hours per week.

• What benefits are available under workers' compensation law if a truck driver in Grand Rapids breaks a leg in a workplace accident and loses the ability to drive?

  A truck driver in Grand Rapids who breaks a leg and is unable to drive may be eligible for disability benefits that are either permanent or temporary, depending on how long it takes to regain the ability to drive. Should the disability be permanent, retraining and rehabilitation costs are also compensable in order to return the worker to a work-ready state or to learn a new trade.

• Can a forklift driver in Grand Rapids who got hurt while bungee jumping off the side of a warehouse on a dare claim workers' compensation benefits?

  A Grand Rapids forklift driver is unlikely to be able to collect workers' compensation benefits. The injuries sustained during the jump may have been self-inflicted, as assuming that a typical warehouse has enough elevation for a successful bungee jump is clearly reckless. Because it was done on a dare rather than as part of official duties, the reckless behavior did not occur while working.

• Why would a laborer in Grand Rapids opt to waive workers' compensation rights?

  When it is more advantageous to sue the employer directly for a tort in Grand Rapids, a laborer may waive workers' compensation rights even if qualified. This occurs when management commits negligent acts or omissions that make the workplace dangerous. In these cases, the court's award of damages may be greater than the insurance payout.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.