Workplace accidents and injuries can happen regardless of profession, but some jobs in Lansing pose more significant risks than others. Employees in high-risk industries often face hazardous conditions that increase the possibility of injuries. When workers are hurt on the job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation helps victims focus on their recovery and healing by providing health care and wage loss benefits. However, some workers are unaware of their rights and the steps to take in filing a claim. If you’ve been injured while working in one of the most dangerous jobs in Lansing, a Lansing workers’ compensation lawyer can help you recover the benefits you deserve. This article discusses Michigan’s workers’ compensation system, the professions with the highest claims, common causes of workplace injuries, and how to file a claim.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Laws in Michigan
Michigan law requires employers to have workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance provides workers with financial support if they suffer from any job-related illness or injury.
Workers’ compensation insurance should cover the following:
- Medical Expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and necessary surgeries;
- Wage Loss Benefits for when an injury prevents a worker from returning to their job;
- Vocational Rehabilitation for cases where a work-related injury prevents an employee from resuming their previous role;
- Disability Benefits for workers who suffer from long-term or permanent disabilities; and
- Death Benefits
The employee must prove that the injury or illness occurred while performing job-related duties to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Employers and insurance companies may dispute the employee’s claims and argue that the injury was not work-related or that the worker was at fault. These disputes can delay the approval of the claim and make it difficult for injured employees to access their benefits.
In Michigan, injured workers must notify their employer of their injury within ninety (90) days. However, victims should file as soon as possible. Delays in filing can make it harder to prove that an injury is work-related.
Which Profession Has the Highest Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Certain jobs have higher injury risks than others. Some professions report more workers’ compensation claims due to the nature of the work. Employees in physically demanding roles or those exposed to hazardous conditions are more likely to experience workplace accidents.
Some of the industries with the most claims are the following:
- Construction Workers: Construction sites expose workers to falls, equipment-related injuries, and hazardous materials. Workers often handle heavy machinery, work at great heights, or perform tasks in unpredictable environments.
- Healthcare Workers: Nurses, caregivers, and other medical staff face injuries from different situations, such as lifting patients, exposure to diseases, and workplace violence. The physical demands of assisting patients, combined with long shifts, increase the risk of back injuries and repetitive strains.
- Manufacturing and Factory Workers: These workers work with heavy machinery, perform repetitive tasks, and expose themselves to harmful substances. Workers in these industries may suffer from machine-related accidents, burns, and chemical exposure.
- Transportation and Delivery Workers: Truck drivers and delivery personnel risk accidents due to long hours on the road. Vehicle crashes, fatigue, and lifting heavy packages make transportation work physically demanding.
- Public Safety Workers: These safety workers, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders encounter dangerous situations that can lead to serious injuries. They often experience injuries from physical altercations, fires, and exposure to hazardous materials.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Workplace injuries can happen for many reasons, but some causes appear more frequently in workers’ compensation claims. The most common causes include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Uneven surfaces, wet floors, poor lighting, and misplaced objects contribute to these accidents. Falls can lead to fractures, head injuries, and sprains.
- Motor Vehicle Crashes: Employees who drive a motor vehicle for work, such as those who make deliveries, move between sites, and fulfill work-related tasks, are entitled to a worker’s compensation claim when they get involved in a car accident.
- Overexertion: Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and physically demanding tasks can cause muscle strains, joint injuries, and chronic pain conditions.
- Contact with Equipment or Machinery: Workers operating heavy machinery may suffer from crush injuries, amputations, burns, or electrical shocks. Improper training and faulty equipment increase the risk of these injuries.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances: Chemicals, dust, and infectious agents can cause respiratory problems, burns, and long-term health conditions. Workers in industrial settings or medical fields face these risks regularly.
Some of the ways to minimize these risks include providing safety training, maintaining equipment, and enforcing workplace safety regulations. Workers should also follow implemented safety protocols and report hazards to relevant key persons.
How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim
Workers who sustain injuries on the job must follow the right steps to file a workers’ compensation claim. Taking the right actions ensures they receive benefits without unnecessary delays.
- Report the Injury: Employees should notify their employer as soon as possible. Michigan law requires workers to report injuries within 90 days.
- Seek Medical Treatment: The injured employees should consult a doctor who will assess their injuries. Some employers may require workers to visit an approved medical provider. Proper and complete documentation of the injury is important for a successful claim.
- File a Claim: Employers must submit a claim to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. If an employer refuses to file the claim, the injured worker can contact the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency.
- Follow Up on the Claim: The insurance company will review the claim and evaluate if the employee is eligible. Employees should keep records of all medical treatments and communications related to the injury.
- Appeal a Denied Claim: Workers have the right to appeal the decision. They may need to provide additional evidence or attend a hearing. The appeals process can be complicated, so injured workers may benefit from legal representation.
Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Lansing, MI?
Workers can file a claim on their own. However, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial in certain situations. A workers’ compensation attorney can help if:
- The claim is denied.
- The employer or insurance company disputes the illness or injury.
- The worker receives less compensation than expected.
- The injury results in long-term disability.
- The employer retaliates against the worker for filing a claim.
Contact The Clark Law Office Today
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim is not easy. If you need to file a worker’s comp claim, do not hesitate to call our trusted personal injury lawyers in Lansing. Our legal team can help you get justice and the financial support you deserve. You can focus on recovering from your injuries while our team will ensure that your legal rights are protected. Talk to an attorney today to get the legal guidance you need and take the first step toward securing compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dangerous Jobs in Lansing
What are the most dangerous jobs in Lansing?
Some of the most hazardous jobs in Lansing include construction work, roofing, trucking, factory work, healthcare, and law enforcement. These jobs often involve physical labor, heavy machinery, and potential exposure to harmful substances.
What types of injuries are common in high-risk jobs?
Workers in dangerous jobs frequently suffer from falls, fractures, burns, repetitive strain injuries, exposure-related illnesses, and serious accidents involving machinery or vehicles.
Can I get workers’ compensation if I’m injured on the job?
Yes, Michigan law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits for job-related injuries. This coverage includes medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. A Lansing workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the process, gather necessary evidence, and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for job-related injuries, meaning you cannot sue your employer. However, if a third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was responsible for your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
How can a Lansing workers’ compensation lawyer help me?
An experienced lawyer can guide you through the claims process, ensure you receive fair compensation, handle appeals, and explore additional legal options if negligence played a role in your injury.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Michigan?
You should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, and in Michigan, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits.
