Getting hurt on the job can be overwhelming. In Michigan, both employers and employees have specific responsibilities and rights regarding workplace injuries. Understanding these can help protect your health, your job, and your financial well-being if an accident does occur.

What Are Employers Required to Do?

Employers in Michigan are legally required to maintain a safe working environment. If a workplace injury occurs, they must follow these key responsibilities:

• Provide Workers' Compensation Insurance: Most employers in Michigan are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, which covers medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation services for injured employees.
   
• Report the Injury: Once an injury is reported, the employer must file a report with the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency. Timely reporting helps make sure that benefits are processed without delay.
   
• Do Not Retaliate: It is illegal for an employer to fire or discipline a worker for filing a workers' compensation claim or reporting an injury.
   
• Provide Immediate Medical Care: Employers must ensure injured employees get prompt medical attention. In the first 28 days, the employer has the right to choose the treating doctor. After that, the employee may select a different provider with notice.

What Are Your Rights as an Injured Employee?

If you are injured while working in Michigan, you are entitled to certain benefits, such as:

• Right to Medical Treatment: You have the right to receive necessary medical care related to your injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
   
• Right to Wage Loss Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you may be eligible for wage loss benefits. These are typically about 80 percent of your wages after taxes.
   
• Right to Choose a Doctor: After the initial 28 days of treatment with your employer’s doctor, you can choose your own physician after notifying your employer.
   
• Right to File a Claim: If your employer or their insurance company denies your benefits, you can file a formal claim with the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency.
   
• Right to Protection from Retaliation: You cannot be legally punished for reporting an injury or filing for workers' compensation.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries in Michigan can happen in any setting and take many forms. Common examples include slip and falls, injuries from machinery or equipment, and repetitive stress injuries. Some workers may suffer burns or chemical exposure, while others experience overexertion from lifting or moving heavy objects. Vehicle accidents also pose a risk to those who drive as part of their job. Regardless of the type of work, it is important to recognize and address injuries promptly.

What to Do After a Workplace Injury

1. Report the Injury Immediately: Notify your employer as soon as possible. Delaying this step could affect your ability to get benefits.
    
2. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health. Be certain to follow all medical instructions and keep records of your visits and treatments.
    
3. Document Everything: Keep a record of your injury, how it happened, and any communication with your employer or insurance provider.
    
4. Understand Your Rights: If you are unsure whether your employer is following the law or if your claim is denied, you may want to speak with an attorney who focuses on workers' compensation cases.

Conclusion

Workplace injuries can disrupt your life, but Michigan’s workers' compensation system is designed to support injured employees. Knowing what your employer is required to do and what your rights are can help you navigate the process more confidently.