Legal Question in Workers Comp in Michigan

Disability duration dispute

I had ACL surgery plus impingement and decompression surgery on my shoulder after a work injury. I have been off work for 6 weeks and have not yet started PT. Dr. called and said I had to return to work because the insurance company is pressuring them for me to return.

What can I do? I cannot yet lift the arm at all. Light duty work is not LIGHT! Dr. told me 2 weeks ago not to do anythng more strenuous than sign my name on paper...no motion otherwise.

Do I have any rights?

Thank you!


Asked on 3/08/06, 11:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Disability duration dispute

See a workers' compensation lawyer immediately to file a petition in your behalf. Then go to the job to give it a try because if you don't, they can legally "cut you off". If you cannot do the job, then you'll have to leave and attempt to subsist if they choose not to pay you while your petition is pending. However, if you don't give the job a chance, you are guaranteed not to be entitled to comp while you are unemployed. I would suggest that whatever lawyer you get, meets with your doctor and you to get his testimony straightened out. It sounds like ther may have been an implied threat not to pay his bill unless he cooperates. I have been a workers' compensation attorney for 29 years and am a former adjunct member of the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board. Feel free to give me a call. William S. Stern

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Answered on 3/09/06, 7:14 am
Weider Bruce Block and Weider

Re: Disability duration dispute

i WANT TO SPEAK WITH YOU ABOUT THIS. PLEASE CALL MY OFFICE IN THE MORNING.

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Answered on 3/09/06, 8:40 pm


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