{"id":5354,"date":"2021-08-31T22:06:07","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T22:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aiellolawgroup.com\/?p=5354"},"modified":"2025-11-03T15:55:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T21:55:23","slug":"who-is-considered-disabled-under-michigan-worker-compensation-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aiellolawgroup.com\/news\/who-is-considered-disabled-under-michigan-worker-compensation-law","title":{"rendered":"Who is Considered Disabled Under Michigan Worker Compensation Law?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Who<\/a><\/p>\n

Getting hurt on the job<\/a> can bring up a lot of questions. Mostly because most people never even stop to think about what they would do if it ever happened until it\u2019s too late. Fortunately, our workers compensation attorneys<\/a> are here to help you understand exactly who is considered disabled under Michigan workers compensation law, and what that means for you as a recently disabled<\/a> employee, by answering the top 5 most frequently asked questions regarding the topic below.<\/p>\n

Q#1: Who Can Receive Wage Loss Benefits After A Workplace Injury?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A#1:<\/strong> Anyone that experiences a personal injury<\/a> on the job, and becomes disabled<\/a> as a result, can attempt to claim wage loss benefits. In order to qualify as disabled<\/em>, however, you must be able to prove, through official documentation from a trusted medical provider, that your disability<\/a> has directly compromised your ability to earn a reasonable living within your existing skillset and experience.<\/p>\n

Q#2: Does Having A Disability Automatically Qualify You To Receive Wage Loss Benefits?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A#2:<\/strong> Having a disability<\/a>, and not being employed, does not automatically qualify you to receive wage loss benefits. For example, having a work-related injury<\/a> when you retire, or leaving a job voluntarily to pursue other interests, will not make you eligible to receive benefits. In order to receive wage loss benefits, you must prove that your disability<\/a> has made it impossible for you to maintain employment, and that is your only reason for not working.<\/p>\n

In some cases your employer or their insurance provider will hire a vocational \u201cexpert\u201d to testify that there are plenty of job available to you, or you will be offered \u201creasonable employment\u201d that takes into account your new limitations, but be wary. These are often just ploys to try and avoid paying you the full wage loss benefit you may be entitled to, which is why having capable workers compensation attorneys<\/a> through your benefits acquisition process is critical.<\/p>\n

Q#3: How Can You Prove That You\u2019re Actually Disabled?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A#3:<\/strong> To guarantee every claimant is treated the same, Michigan\u2019s Supreme Court<\/a> has a list of four steps that can help you prove disability<\/a> within the definition of workers compensation<\/a> law. These steps include:<\/p>\n