Michigan Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights
Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Michigan.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.
Who Is Covered?
Michigan requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with 3 or more employees; any employer with 1 or more employees if employed 35+ hours/week for 13+ weeks §418.115. The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §418.131.
Key Deadlines
Benefit Overview
Workers' compensation in Michigan provides several categories of benefits:
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disability (TTD) | 80% of after-tax average weekly wage, but not more than the maximum weekly rate determined under section 355; Duration of the disability; the conclusive presumption of total and permanent disability does not extend beyond 800 weeks from the date of injury §418.351 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) | Yes, specific loss benefits and general disability benefits available §418.361 |
| Death Benefits | 80% of after-tax average weekly wage to dependents for up to 500 weeks; burial expenses up to $6,000 §418.321; §418.345 |
| Medical Treatment | All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury |
Medical Treatment
Employee may choose their own treating physician; employer may require treatment at a specific facility for up to 28 days §418.315. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
- All employers with 3 or more employees; any employer with 1 or more employees if employed 35+ hours/week for 13+ weeks
- All employers with 3 or more employees; any employer with 1 or more employees if employed 35+ hours/week for 13+ weeks
- 80% of after-tax average weekly wage, but not more than the maximum weekly rate determined under section 355
- Duration of the disability; the conclusive presumption of total and permanent disability does not extend beyond 800 weeks from the date of injury
- As soon as practicable; within 90 days from date of injury
- 2 years from date of injury or last payment of compensation