When an employee is injured on the job, it is important to understand what to do next. Applying for and receiving benefits to help offset the costs associated with a workplace accident is a crucial step to take to ensure they recover properly and can return to work.
Michigan’s Governor reappointed several members to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates this past week. The seventeen member board hears cases across the state involving disputed workers’ compensation claims. From resolving the validity of a claim to calculating the recoverable value of medical expenses and lost wages, these individuals hold a significant amount of influence over workers in this state.
Of the eight members being reappointed, most are attorneys with over 20 years practicing in the area of Michigan workers’ comp law. They will serve 4 year terms in the event their appointments are confirmed by the senate.
The vast knowledge and experience of this group can be daunting to those that come before it. The rules and regulations enforced by Michigan’s workers’ comp laws is only the tip of the iceberg. In addition to the written laws, there are volumes of decisions interpreting those laws under varying circumstances. And, when this information fails to provide a clear answer, there is decades of legislative changes to the laws which may also be relevant to your case.
Convincing that board of the validity of your claim or ensuring it does not short change the value of your claim means you must speak their language. Local Saginaw area workers’ compensation share in those decades of experience and know precisely the types of information necessary to persuade the board.
If you or a loved one has a workers’ comp claim for a job related injury you should understand your legal rights and remedies. This not only helps cover lost wages but also other costs incurred by the work incident.
Source: WorkersCompensation.com, “MI Governor Makes Reappointments to Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates,” January 26, 2015
