Filing for Workers’ Compensation in Lansing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Injured Employees

If you’ve been injured on the job in Lansing, filing for workers’ compensation might feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Michigan law gives you the right to medical treatment and lost wage benefits after a workplace injury, but missing a step or waiting too long can hurt your chances of getting approved. This guide walks you through the workers’ comp claim process in Lansing step by step including what to expect, where to go, and how to protect your rights from the very beginning.

Step 1: Report Your Injury to Your Employer

The very first step after a workplace injury is notifying your employer. In Michigan, you must report your injury within 90 days, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Delays or vague communication can cause problems later if your employer denies the claim or questions when the injury occurred.  Be specific when reporting the injury and include:

In Lansing, many employers have HR departments or safety officers who handle workplace injuries. If your employer has an internal injury report form, use it and keep a copy for your records. If not, send an email or written note so you have documentation.

Step 2: Get Medical Treatment and Follow Work Restrictions

After reporting your injury, the next step is to seek medical care. In Michigan, your employer has the right to choose your doctor for the first 28 days of treatment. After that, you may select your own provider but you must notify your employer or workers’ comp insurance carrier before making the switch.  If your employer directs you to a specific clinic or physician in Lansing, make sure to attend all appointments and follow any work restrictions provided by the doctor. Not following medical advice or skipping visits can hurt your claim and delay your benefits.  To help you get started, here are some clinics in the Lansing area that commonly treat work-related injuries:

Make sure to tell the clinic staff that your injury occurred at work so they document it as a workers’ compensation case. Accurate documentation will be essential if there are disputes later on.

Step 3: Understand Your Employer’s Role in Filing the Claim

After you report the injury, your employer is responsible for filing a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance company. In most cases, this happens automatically once you notify them and seek medical attention. However, not every employer follows the process correctly or promptly.  Under Michigan law, your employer should:

You are not legally required to file the initial claim paperwork yourself, but it’s important to verify that your employer has done so. If they don’t report your injury or claim it didn’t happen you may need to take further action.  Even if you trust your employer, don’t assume the paperwork is being handled correctly. Keep records of all communications, and follow up to confirm the claim was filed.

Step 4: What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t File or Denies the Injury

Unfortunately, not all employers handle work injury claims fairly. Some may fail to report your injury to their insurance company, delay the process, or even deny that the injury occurred at work. If this happens, you don’t have to wait you have the right to take action yourself.  If your employer:

You can file a claim directly with the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency (WDCA) by completing a Form WC-117 (Employee’s Report of Claim).  You can get the form online through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity or request it by mail. Once completed, it should be sent to:

Make sure to include any documentation you have: medical records, emails to your employer, witness statements, or accident reports. These will help support your claim and speed up the process.  If your employer isn’t cooperating, this is also a good time to consider speaking with a Lansing workers’ comp lawyer who can step in and protect your rights.

Step 5: File Form WC-117 with the Michigan Workers’ Comp Agency

If your employer fails to report your injury or your benefits are being delayed or denied, you can take control by filing a Form WC-117—also known as the Employee’s Report of Claim. This form officially starts your workers’ compensation claim with the state of Michigan.  You can download the WC-117 from the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency’s website or request a paper copy. Once completed, mail it to the Lansing-based WDCA office. Filing this form does not guarantee immediate benefits, but it triggers an official review and can move your case forward.  Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Be sure to keep a copy of everything you send. Using certified mail or tracking is recommended so you can prove when the form was submitted.

Step 6: What Happens After You File a Claim

Once you’ve filed your claim either through your employer or directly with the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency—several things can happen, depending on how your case is handled by the insurance carrier.  Here’s what typically follows:

During this period, it’s critical to:

If communication with the insurance company becomes difficult or confusing, you may want to involve a Lansing workers’ compensation lawyer to help guide your next steps.

Step 7: How to Handle a Denied Claim or Dispute

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, don’t panic. Many valid claims are rejected at first especially if your employer or the insurance company disputes how the injury occurred or questions the extent of your disability. Fortunately, you have options to challenge the decision and keep your case moving forward.  Common reasons for denial include:

To contest a denial, you’ll need to file a Form WC-104A (Application for Mediation or Hearing) with the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. This form starts the appeals process, which may involve mediation, a magistrate hearing, or a trial. Here’s a breakdown of your next steps:

A denied claim doesn’t mean the end, it just means you may need help navigating the legal process. This is where an experienced Lansing workers’ comp attorney can make a real difference.

When to Contact a Lansing Workers’ Comp Lawyer

While some work injury claims go smoothly, others quickly become complicated especially if your employer is uncooperative, your benefits are delayed, or your claim is denied. A workers’ comp lawyer can step in at any point to protect your rights and guide you through the process. If your work injury has left you permanently unable to work, you may also qualify for social security disability benefits in Lansing in addition to workers’ comp.  You should strongly consider speaking with an attorney if:

An experienced Lansing workers’ compensation attorney can help you gather medical evidence, meet deadlines, handle appeals, and negotiate the compensation you deserve. Having someone local who understands Michigan’s laws and the Lansing system can make a major difference in your case outcome.

Struggling With a Workers’ Comp Claim in Lansing?

Filing for workers’ compensation after a job injury in Lansing doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. By following the steps outlined above and acting quickly, you can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future. If you’re facing delays, denials, or uncertainty at any stage of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.  Our workers comp lawyers in Lansing have been helping injured workers for decades. We offer free consultations and only get paid if you win. Let us answer your questions, handle the paperwork, and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lansing Workers’ Compensation Claims

Resources and References