Workers' Compensation Claims in Washtenaw County, MI

A workplace injury can happen without warning—a construction accident, a machinery malfunction, a slip on a wet floor, or repetitive stress that builds over months. When you're injured on the job in Washtenaw County, you face immediate concerns: Will I receive medical treatment? How will I pay my bills while I'm off work? What if my employer disputes my claim?

At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., we've spent over 45 years helping injured workers throughout Michigan navigate the workers' compensation system and fight for the benefits they're entitled to receive. We understand the financial pressure you're under and the uncertainty you're facing. Our attorneys know how to cut through insurance company delays, challenge benefit denials, and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Understanding Michigan Workers' Compensation Benefits

Most employers in Michigan are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, which provides benefits regardless of who caused your workplace injury. The system is designed to protect both workers and employers—employees receive guaranteed benefits without proving fault, while employers gain immunity from most workplace injury lawsuits.

If you're injured on the job in Washtenaw County, you're entitled to several categories of benefits:

• Medical treatment coverage: All reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury, including hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment
• Wage loss benefits: Typically 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage if your injury prevents you from working
• Vocational rehabilitation: Retraining and job placement assistance if you cannot return to your previous occupation
• Specific loss benefits: Additional compensation for permanent impairments such as amputations, loss of vision or hearing, or significant scarring

These benefits continue for as long as your work-related injury requires treatment and affects your ability to earn wages—potentially for years or even a lifetime in severe cases.

Filing Your Workers' Compensation Claim in Washtenaw County

The workers' compensation system operates under strict deadlines. You must report your injury to your employer within 90 days of when it occurred or when you reasonably should have known it was work-related. You have two years from the date of injury to file your workers' compensation claim.

Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your right to benefits. Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into serious conditions requiring extensive treatment. Early reporting protects your rights and creates a documented record of your injury.

Insurance carriers frequently dispute claims, arguing that injuries aren't work-related, that treatment is unnecessary, or that you're capable of returning to work when medical evidence says otherwise. Our attorneys know these tactics and how to counter them effectively.

When Third-Party Claims Provide Additional Compensation

Workers' compensation is typically your exclusive remedy against your employer—but that doesn't mean it's your only source of compensation. When someone other than your employer causes your workplace injury, you may pursue a third-party liability claim for full damages.

Common third-party claims in Washtenaw County workplace accidents include:

• General contractors and subcontractors responsible for unsafe work conditions in shared work areas
• Property owners who failed to maintain safe premises
• Equipment manufacturers whose defective products caused your injury
• Negligent drivers who struck you while you were working
• Architects, engineers, or designers whose mistakes created dangerous conditions

Third-party claims allow you to recover compensation that workers' compensation doesn't provide: pain and suffering, full wage loss without the 80% cap, loss of future earning capacity, and other damages. These claims can significantly increase your total recovery when combined with workers' compensation benefits.

Common Workplace Injuries We Handle

Our firm represents Washtenaw County workers injured in all types of workplace accidents:

• Construction accidents: Falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and trench accidents
• Industrial injuries: Machinery accidents, chemical exposure, burns, and crushing injuries
• Slip and fall accidents: Injuries from wet floors, icy conditions, or defective walking surfaces
• Repetitive stress injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, and other conditions developing over time
• Transportation accidents: Injuries to delivery drivers, truck operators, and other workers on the road
• Healthcare worker injuries: Needlestick injuries, patient assault, and lifting injuries

Whether you work in Ann Arbor's research facilities, on construction sites throughout the county, in manufacturing plants, or in service industries, you deserve fierce advocacy when a workplace injury disrupts your life.

Fighting Benefit Denials and Insurance Company Tactics

Workers' compensation insurance carriers frequently deny legitimate claims or terminate benefits prematurely. Common denial reasons include:

• Claiming the injury didn't occur at work or isn't work-related
• Arguing that treatment is no longer reasonable or necessary
• Asserting that you're capable of returning to work when you're not
• Disputing the extent or severity of your injuries
• Claiming you missed reporting deadlines

When your claim is denied or your benefits are terminated, you have the right to challenge that decision before the Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency. Our attorneys represent injured workers at hearings, present medical evidence, cross-examine insurance doctors, and fight to restore the benefits you're entitled to receive.

Protecting Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

After a workplace accident in Washtenaw County, take these steps to protect your rights:

• Report immediately: Notify your supervisor or employer in writing as soon as the injury occurs
• Seek medical care: Get treatment right away and follow your doctor's recommendations
• Document everything: Keep copies of incident reports, medical records, and all correspondence about your claim
• Don't give recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may use your words against you—consult an attorney first
• Preserve evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and any equipment involved if possible

Insurance companies have experienced lawyers protecting their interests from day one. You deserve the same level of representation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Compensation Claims in Washtenaw County

What should I do immediately after a workplace injury in Washtenaw County?

Report your injury to your supervisor or employer in writing as soon as it occurs—you have 90 days, but immediate reporting is best. Seek medical treatment right away and follow all recommendations. Document the accident scene if possible with photos. Keep copies of incident reports and all medical records. Consult a workers' compensation attorney before giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters.

How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in Michigan?

You must report your workplace injury to your employer within 90 days of when it occurred or when you reasonably should have known it was work-related. You have two years from the date of injury to file your workers' compensation claim with the Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your right to benefits.

Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?

Michigan law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file legitimate workers' compensation claims. Firing, demoting, or otherwise punishing an employee for exercising their rights under the workers' compensation system is illegal. If you believe you've been retaliated against, consult an attorney immediately about your options.

What if my employer doesn't have workers' compensation insurance?

Most Michigan employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. If your employer doesn't have coverage when they're required to, you can file a claim with the Second Injury Fund or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer directly—without the typical immunity employers enjoy. An attorney can help you determine the best path forward.

Can I receive workers' compensation benefits and sue a third party?

Yes. Workers' compensation is your exclusive remedy against your employer, but you can pursue third-party claims against others whose negligence caused your workplace injury. Common third parties include general contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and negligent drivers. These claims provide compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits, including pain and suffering and full wage loss.

How much are workers' compensation wage loss benefits in Michigan?

Michigan workers' compensation provides 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage if your work injury prevents you from working. The calculation is based on your earnings in the year before your injury. There are maximum weekly benefit amounts set by state law and adjusted annually. Your attorney can help calculate your specific benefit rate.

What if the insurance company denies my workers' compensation claim?

You have the right to challenge the denial before the Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency. This involves filing a petition, presenting medical evidence, and potentially attending hearings. Insurance companies frequently deny legitimate claims hoping workers will give up. An experienced attorney can fight the denial, present compelling evidence, and work to restore your benefits.

Do I need a lawyer for my Washtenaw County workers' compensation claim?

While not required, having an attorney significantly increases your chances of receiving full benefits—especially when claims are disputed, benefits are denied, or third-party liability exists. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you. Given the complexity of workers' compensation law and insurance company tactics, experienced legal representation protects your rights and maximizes your recovery.