Top three insurance company excuses in Michigan

Insurance company excuses and why workers comp claims get denied in Michigan.

Yesterday we blogged about online activities and why claims get denied. Here is our top three insurance company excuses that you need to know about. Make sure you contact an experienced workers comp lawyer if this happens to you.

Pre-existing condition

The number one excuse that insurance companies use is the pre-existing condition. Insurance companies think of osteoarthritis as a magic bullet to stop workers comp benefits. The insurance company will ignore the facts surrounding your workplace injury and even what your own doctor says.

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Warning about online activities and why claims are denied

Michigan workers comp lawyer tells you to unplug while your claim is pending. Find out the reasons why insurance companies deny a claim.

It’s no secret that insurance companies have been following people for years. Private investigators conduct video surveillance and check daily activities. This could even include talking to neighbors under false pretenses.

This is simply a way to deny legitimate claims and it’s often taken out of context. Just because you went to the grocery store or took your kids to the park does not mean you can work full-time.

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Medicare Secondary Payer Fix Introduced In U.S. House

Michigan workers compensation lawyer explains why you need to support this bipartisan legislation and how you can help get H.R. 1982 passed.

U.S. Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) have introduced the Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers’ Compensation Settlement Agreement Act, H.R. 1982 into the House of Representatives. You can read the full press release here.

“This is a common-sense measure to ensure that hard-working Americans are not left in limbo because of inefficient bureaucratic procedures,” said Rep. Reichert.  “Injured workers must have the confidence that their heath care claims will be processed in a fair and timely manner.  By introducing this bill, Rep. Thompson and I aim to do just that: protect our hard-working citizens by making sure our systems serve them and their families.”

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Wage loss benefits for partially disabled employees

Michigan workers compensation lawyer explains how much you can collect in lost wages if you are found partially disabled.

Michigan workers compensation law has undergone major changes in the last couple years. The most divisive involves payment of wage loss benefits to employees who are deemed partially disabled.

Insurance companies are granted authority to decide who is partially disabled. The burden is then on the injured employee to show entitlement to full benefits.

This is an unfair system and is ripe for insurance company abuse. It can takes months or years for an injured employee to win his or her case at trial. Most people just accept a bad decision and the insurance company receives a windfall.

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Jeffrey Kaufman is so caring – yet he can get the job done

How our workers compensation attorneys are making a difference in people’s lives. Client reviews for attorney Jeffrey Kaufman.

We understand how a workplace injury can turn your life upside down. While every situation is different, the challenges are the same.

How will you get medical treatment if your claim is denied? Who is going to pay your bills and support your family? Will you be able to return to work?

Here are testimonials from real clients who have had problems with workers compensation. You don’t have to fight alone and help is just a telephone call away.

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How to choose a workers comp lawyer

Why choosing the right workers comp lawyer can make all the difference in your case.

Attorney advertising is all over the place with television commercials, billboards, and city buses. Many people feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to choose a workers comp lawyer.

It gets even more confusing when the attorney you think will handle the case actually refers you to another person. Choosing a workers comp lawyer could be the best or worst decision you make.

You need someone who is experienced and will be on your side every step of the way. Here are some questions you should ask before signing any fee agreement.

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Do I have to look for work while on workers compensation?

Why you need to look for work while on workers compensation in Michigan and how your wage loss benefits could be affected.

The Michigan Legislature approved major changes to workers compensation in 2011. The most controversial involving the calculation of wage loss benefits. Individuals are now required to look for work while on workers compensation.

Insurance companies are also free to decide on their own whether someone is only partially disabled. Wage loss benefits can then be cut based upon an imaginary job.

This is a terrible change and it’s not fair. Here is a letter we send to our client about the need to perform a good-faith job search in order to protect their benefits.

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Important workers compensation benefits in Michigan

What you need to know about workers compensation benefits in Michigan and how to get help with your work injury claim.

Most people are not aware of their legal rights or what happens after an injury at work. The stress and uncertainty can be overwhelming. We understand and want to help.

Workers comp is designed as a compromise between employee and employer interests. Benefits are paid regardless of fault but are limited in amount and duration.

Here is some information you should know about workers compensation benefits in Michigan. Remember that every situation is different and it is best to contact an experienced workers compensation lawyer.

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Average Weekly Wage Calculation

Michigan workers compensation lawyer explains the average weekly wage calculation and why this matters for your case.

Don’t assume you are getting the correct weekly check from workers compensation. You need to check the math for yourself by doing the average weekly wage calculation.

You should be receiving 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage. Overtime, premium pay, bonuses, second jobs, and discontinued fringe benefits should be included in this amount.

Wage loss benefits are capped at 90% of the state-wide average weekly wage. This is $798 per week in 2013.

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Pontiac Workers Compensation Agency Moving

New address and telephone number for Pontiac workers compensation agency.

Michigan Administrative Hearing System (MAHS) is moving the Pontiac workers compensation agency to a new location. The new office will be located at 51111 Woodward Avenue, Pontiac, MI 48342.

All cases with hearing dates after May 13, 2013 will be handled at this new location. The office will be located on the first floor of Ottawa Tower I.

The telephone number will be (248) 975-3275 and the fax number will be (248) 975-3274. Click here for a map of the new location.

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