Workplace Injury and Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Westland, MI

What Qualifies as a Workplace Injury in Michigan?

Besides a few specific cases, most injuries that occur on the job qualify for coverage under workman’s compensation insurance. This includes workplace injuries that occur during the regular performance of job duties, when using work equipment in a safe manner and as intended by the manufacturer, and injuries caused by work materials. Unsafe exposure to toxic or harmful chemicals also typically qualifies as a workplace injury. Self-inflicted injuries and injuries caused by pre-existing conditions or horseplay will generally not be covered.

An injury that occurs as a direct result of the employee carrying out the regular, expected duties of a job in a safe manner, using equipment appropriately and following all directions, and handling material according to instructions will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This includes fall accidents, crashes between vehicles and other machinery, workplace fires, and accidents involving power tools or other potentially dangerous equipment.

If you experienced an injury while working in Westland, Michigan and are curious if your injury should be covered, contact an lawyer at Padilla Law group for a free consultation.

When workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and elements present in the workplace, the effects can be long-lasting, debilitating, and even deadly. Accidents resulting from harmful exposure to these materials are covered under workers’ compensation insurance, especially if the material was poorly stored or incorrectly handled. 

What Should I Do Following a Workplace Injury?

If you’ve experienced a workplace injury, there is a well-defined path to follow to receive the compensation you’re owed. After an injury occurs, notify your employer as soon as possible to begin the process. If possible, file an accident report prior to leaving the scene of the accident if emergency medical attention is not needed.

In Michigan, employers have one month to investigate and make their decision regarding a workers’ compensation claim. Lost wage compensation starts after the first week of missed work, and disability benefits take effect after two weeks. If your employer fails to communicate with you regarding the compensation you are entitled to, it may be necessary to take legal action to secure your benefits.

Immediately following an injury, seek medical attention to get started down the road of recovery. Claiming the compensation you’re entitled to is essential, but it’s far more critical to protect your health and safety. Be sure to take all necessary steps and see all recommended medical professionals to address your injury.

After you’ve received medical attention, make sure the injury is reported to your employer. This gives them a chance to initiate the workers’ compensation process and, if they fail to do so, demonstrates good faith on your part by showing that you attempted to communicate with your employer.

What Benefits Can I Receive from Workers' Compensation?

Workers’ compensation exists to provide injured workers coverage for some of the most common costs that pile up due to their injury, including medical care costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. In Michigan, employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that are delivered through insurance.

When injured, returning to work can be difficult or impossible. Preventing the financial hardship associated with lost wages due to injury is one of the main benefits of workers’ compensation insurance. In Westland and Wayne County, Michigan, worker’s compensation benefits entitle workers to the replacement of a portion of lost wages. The total amount will vary depending on the nature of the injury, the determination made by the company, and how your disability is classified.

Injured workers are entitled to all reasonable and necessary care for injuries they sustain. As long as the treatment is related to their workplace injury, employers are required by law to cover all of the associated medical costs. This includes everything from the initial hospital visit to surgery and physical therapy.

Rehabilitation is divided into physical and vocational focuses. Physical rehabilitation consists of physical therapy and other recovery services. Vocational rehabilitation is intended to enable the injured employee to return to work in the same or similar capacity they were in before the injury occurred. These benefits do not always apply, as they vary in scope depending on the injury and nature of the claim. For more information on the benefits that worker’s compensation can entail, contact the Westland workplace injury lawyers at Padilla Law Group today.

In our years serving the community of Westland, Michigan, we’ve developed a unique understanding of the challenges that many in this area face when it comes to receiving the injury compensation they’re entitled to. Often, an insurance company will try to fight a workplace injury case and refuse to payout a legitimate claim. At our law firm, we consider it our responsibility to fight for the rights of our clients and to get their lives back on track. If your workers’ compensation has been denied or slowed, it may be time to take legal action.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

A workplace injury can change your life in the blink of an eye, and the consequences can last for years or even a lifetime. Workers’ compensation claims are designed to provide comfort and peace of mind, but they can be denied or used against you by those not looking out for your best interests. Contact the Westland workplace lawyers at Padilla Law Group to fight for your rights and get your life back into your hands.