If you call Michigan home, you know the state’s economy no longer relies completely on the auto industry. In fact, there are now several large industries. Many of them are growing. That means good news for jobs. The jobs in these industries, however, sometimes come with hazards. If you work in one of these areas, you might need to learn about workers’ compensation in Michigan. There are a few important things to know.
WORKERS’ COMP IN MICHIGAN INDUSTRIES
Between 2009 and 2016, the unemployment rate in Michigan dropped 10 points. Much of this was due to automotive jobs coming back and other industries picking up steam. More people in the workforce, though, creates more chances for accidental injuries.
The construction industry, for example, added around 7,000 jobs per year between 2013 and 2014. From 2010 to 2012, it only grew by 3,000 jobs a year. While great for the economy, construction is one of the most dangerous industries. In fact, construction companies pay higher workers’ comp costs than any other industry.
Construction isn’t the only growing industry in Michigan that involves some dangers on the job. Manufacturing, for instance, is the second largest industry in the state. Workers’ comp costs in that industry are higher than the national average.
Also, if you’re between the ages of 45 and 54, a Michigan workers’ comp insurer could end up paying 50 percent more for your manufacturing injury claim than they would for a younger person.
This information isn’t just academic. It could impact whether you can collect workers’ compensation if you’re hurt on the job.
DIFFICULT INDUSTRIES FOR WORKERS’ COMP
The reason you might have difficulty receiving workers’ comp benefits in these industries is cost. Michigan’s largest and quickest growing industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing and automotive, already face higher premium costs than safer work places. If you end up injured, your employer’s premiums may go even higher.
Michigan employers are required to provide workers’ compensation. Unlike other states, there is no exception to this law. So if you’re injured on the job, you’re probably eligible for hurt-on-the-job benefits. Your employer, though, could try to stop you from receiving benefits so they can keep their premiums down.
Employers will sometimes look for excuses to have a claim denied. If you don’t report your injury as soon as you realize you’ve been hurt, for instance, they could say your disability isn’t work-related. This means you should report immediately and have your employer file a claim. If they don’t, a workers’ comp attorney can file a WC-117, which is an employee’s report of injury, on your behalf.
GETTING THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE
Regardless of what industry you work in, you’re entitled to a safe work place. If you’re injured on the job, it’s your employer’s responsibility to help you recover. But even a helpful boss doesn’t guarantee you’ll get what you deserve. Insurance companies want to avoid paying out as much money as possible, and this can sometimes result in a denial of your workers’ comp claim.
If this happens, do not give up. Many people never receive the benefits they deserve until after they’ve been denied and file an appeal. With help from a workers’ comp lawyer, you could potentially receive compensation for medical care, time loss, prescriptions and other expenses. Without legal help, you may not get all you deserve, so don’t waste time taking on insurance companies on your own. At Levine Benjamin, our workers’ comp attorneys work for you–not the insurance company. If you’re in one of Michigan’s growing and potentially hazardous industries, we can assist you in receiving hurt on the job benefits. You may even be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, so call Levine Benjamin today and avoid missing out on the compensation you deserve.
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