What is Workers Compensation?

In 1912, the Workers' Disability Compensation Act was adopted in Michigan. The act serves to ensure that the medical care of employees is taken care of should he be injured while on the job. It also protects employers from any potential liability costs. Michigan workers compensation law exists so a worker who is injured while working does not need to worry about how he will be able to afford to cover the potentially devastating medical bills, or about a loss of income while recovering from an accident.

Why is there a need for Michigan workers compensation law?

Before Michigan workers comp laws existed, when an employer was injured and attempted to sue their employer, they were required to prove that the injury occurred because the employer was negligent.

The employer was able to counter by saying 1) the worker himself was also negligent, 2) by accepting employment the worker knew about potential risks, and 3) the negligence was another workers fault, not the employers. These potential counterarguments made it very hard for a worker to win. On the off chance they did win, it was extremely damaging to employers as the jury was able to level any damages they wanted.

Current law takes away the need to prove negligence, on either the employee or employer. It is a no fault system, which basically means no one is blamed for the injury, it is just taken care of. In addition, limits for damages were put into place to protect employers from the whims of a jury. These limits to the employee are that 1) compensation is only granted for certain wage loss 2) the only costs covered are the actual medical cost or physical therapy cost. With the old system, workers could say that the needed financial compensation to make up for pain, suffering, or sadness that the injury had caused them. Current law ensures that both parties are protected, yet taken care of.

How does Michigan workers compensation work?

Should an employee find himself the victim of a workplace accident, he needs to report the injury as such, immediately. Not only will this ensure that the proper medical attention is provided, but that it is documented properly that the accident was a work related injury. If the injury is enough that the employee will need to be excused from work for a week or more, the employer needs to file the proper paperwork to their workers compensation insurance in Michigan. The insurer will review the claim and determine whether or not the costs will be covered. Accepted claims will be promptly paid, and denied claims can be disputed as long as the dispute is filed within a two year window.

What would qualify to be covered under workers compensation in Michigan?

In order for an injury to qualify for workers compensation, it must first have occurred as the direct result of working for a company. The following are examples of what would, or wouldn't be covered.
Covered- While driving FOR work, an employee is part of a car accident and sustains injuries.
Not Covered - While driving to work, an accident occurs.

Covered- When goofing off at work, an injury occurs. While it is covered, in this instance the employee may not be eligible for all benefits.
Not Covered- An employee intentionally hurts themselves at work.

Covered- While on company property during work hours, an injury requiring medical attention occurs.
Not Covered- While on company property for a Christmas party or company picnic, a medical emergency occurs.

The importance of immediately reporting an injury can not be under stressed, as it needs to be obvious your injury occurred at work. Waiting several days to report an incident makes it harder to justify the coverage. Should one have further questions about the technicalities regarding how does Michigan workers compensation work or what is and isn't covered, their insurance company or Michigan Workers' Compensation Bureau would be able to provide an answer.

Michigan workers comp laws require that a business carry workers compensation insurance to guarantee that benefits can be paid to an employee should it prove necessary. Upon the purchase of a policy, the insurance company will then handle any required communication between the company and the Michigan Workers' Compensation Bureau. Michigan workers compensation insurance comes highly recommended, as the fines for not carrying it can prove financially devastating and can even result in a jail sentence.

What happens if my business does not carry Michigan workers compensation insurance?

Should you choose to not purchase insurance for workers compensation in Michigan, you will be subject to several severe consequences.

These range from:
- An injured employee being able to sue you for civil damages
- The Bureau can prohibit you from employing anyone until insurance is purchased
- Fines and imprisonment

Don't subject your company to these fines, and don't risk trying to get away with no insurance. The Michigan Workers' Compensation Bureau regularly checks for offenders and enforces these rules.

Why should you purchase your workers comp policy from our agency?

There are many benefits to purchasing your MI workers compensation through this business. Because we are independently owned and operated, we are able to make your needs our top priority. Other insurance agencies represent a particular insurance company, and will try to fit your needs into their plans. The advantage to not working for one insurance company is that we are able to negotiate with several of the top-rated companies on your behalf, allowing them to compete for your business. The rates of workers compensation Michigan can vary drastically from agency to agency. Shopping around ensures is that we will get you the best MI workers compensation insurance coverage for a price that will make you happy.

Ready to get an instant quote? Feel free to call us if you prefer to speak live or begin your quote right here on our website.