5 Things You Should Know About Workers’ Comp in Michigan

5 Things You Should Know About Workers’ Comp in Michigan

Happy birthday to Michigan’s workers’ compensation law, which turned 100 last month.

The first compensation law protecting Michigan workers was signed by Governor Chase S. Osborn on Sept. 1, 1912. Since then, countless men and women have received compensation for lost wages, medical care and vocational rehabilitation after suffering an injury on the job.

Following are 5 things you should know about workers’ compensation in Michigan:

• Most workers are covered. The vast majority of Michigan workers fall under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act. But some classes of workers – mostly federal employees – are covered by other laws. For example, people who work on interstate railroads are covered by the Federal Employers Liability Act. Postal workers, veterans administration hospital employees, and members of the armed forces are covered by other federal laws.

If you have a question about whether you are covered under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act, consult a Michigan workers’ compensation lawyer for a free consultation at 866-474-8357.

• Farm workers are generally exempt. But an agricultural employer may choose to voluntarily cover its workers.
• Travel to and from work is usually not covered. If you are physically on the employer’s premises when the injury occurs, however, you likely are covered. And if your job or assignment requires you to travel, you are covered while traveling.
• Injuries “arising out of and in the course of employment” are covered. Most of the time it is obvious whether an injury happened at work. Sometimes, though, you will want to consult with an attorney who can help determine if your injury arose out of and in the course of your employment.
• Some injuries are covered even while goofing off. The courts have recognized that a certain amount of horseplay is to be expected on most jobs. If you are injured as a result of such horseplay, your injury might be compensable. Naturally, there are limits. Injuries resulting from intentional and willful misconduct are not covered.

Free Consultation With a Michigan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Have you or someone in your family been injured on the job? Do you have a question about coverage or benefits under workers’ compensation law? Get a free consultation with a Michigan employment attorney. Call 866-474-8357 or use this online contact form.

Sources:

• Workers’ Compensation Agency http://www.michigan.gov/wca/0,4682,7-191-27210---F,00.html
• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Agencies http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-10573_11472-285232--,00.html