Third Party Workers' Compensation in Michigan
Almost 300,000 people suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses in Michigan each year, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health. Work injuries can be very serious, causing temporary disability or long-term complications. Workers who are hurt while on the job can file a Workers’ Compensation claim, but the benefits are limited and there are caps on the total amount payable. However, there are situations in which the employer is not the only one to blame in a work-related injury. Sometimes a third party may be responsible – and an injured worker may be able to file a lawsuit, recovering far more damages than a typical Workers’ Compensation claim.
The Stroble Law Firm, P.C. in Michigan is a full-service law firm with a team of knowledgeable personal injury attorneys who are committed to obtaining the best possible financial results for our clients. Our attorneys have extensive experience in third party workers’ compensation claims. We have helped many injured workers throughout the state recover the damages necessary to pay for medical treatment and move forward with their lives.
Call The Stroble Law Firm, P.C. at (888) 454-0801, or contact us online for an evaluation of your claim. If there is no recovery in your case, there is no fee for our services.
More About Third Party Workers' Compensation Claims
If you are injured on the job in Michigan and you aren’t able to resume working right away, you can file a Workers' Disability Compensation claim. Worker’s compensation is designed to ensure that hurt workers receive financial assistance – and that employers aren’t sued. Benefits are limited and include the following:
- Weekly lost wage benefits calculated based on the worker’s actual wages and a state cap
- Medical treatment costs
- Costs for certain rehabilitation services
- Injuries that involve permanent loss of a limb or eye also incur “specific loss” benefits
While these benefits can help, they may not be enough to cover all the medical bills associated with comprehensive rehabilitative care. Often Workers’ Compensation will only cover specific therapeutic treatments, and certain injuries such as traumatic brain injury or spinal injuries may require longer therapy.
However, not all work injuries are the sole responsibility of the employer. There are situations in which a third party is to blame for the injury – for instance, if your work injury is caused by defective equipment manufactured by another company, or if you slip and falls after a cleaning crew waxes the office floor and neglects to post any signs. In these circumstances, you can still file a Workers’ Compensation claim, but you can also file a third party claim against the other company – and this is governed by Michigan personal injury law rather than Workers’ Compensation law. As a result, you may be eligible to recover damages for pain and suffering in addition to your lost wages and medical bills – and there aren’t as many limitations on the total amount you can recover.
Third party claims are not always simple. If you have received Workers’ Compensation prior to your successful third party claim, your employer is entitled to be paid back the compensation benefits it paid you, minus a share of your attorney fees and other legal costs. Third party claims also require extensive documentation to establish who was to blame for your injuries. Testimony from reputable doctors and other expert witnesses such as engineers may be necessary to prove the extent of your injury and the third party’s role. That’s why it’s vital to work with an experienced attorney who understands how to prepare your case to win.
Help With Your Workers' Compensation Claim
The Stroble Law Firm, P.C. represents victims and their families who have suffered from work-related injuries. We believe that you shouldn’t have to struggle to pay bills and afford medical care when a work injury keeps you from earning a living. If a third party is responsible for your injury, we will develop a case strategy designed to obtain the maximum amount of compensation allowed by law. We have helped many victims in Michigan recover what was rightfully theirs. We can help you and your family too.
Based in Bloomfield Hills, The Stroble Law Firm, P.C. represents clients across Michigan, including Macomb County, Oakland County, Warren, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Utica, Roseville, Troy, Farmington Hills, Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac, Birmingham Michigan, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills. Call The Stroble Law Firm, P.C. at (888) 454-0801, or contact us online for an evaluation of your claim. If there is no recovery in your case, there is no fee for our services.
