The Michigan legislature changed Michigan’s Workers Disability Compensation Act on December 19, 2011. The purpose for the changes to the law arose out of an effort to reduce the number of worker’s compensation claims made in the State and limit Worker’s Compensation liability in certain ways for employers in Michigan. Fundamental changes to the
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Changes to the Cross Appeal Policy from the Appellate Commission
By Ron Ryan
Effective March 1, 2012 in accordance with MCL 418.861a (6) and (7) and Rules 4 and 6 the following policy will be strictly adhered to:
Parties must file a Claim for Review (clearly labeled “cross” at the top of the Form WC-262) not later than 30 days after the appellant’s brief is received. The cross-appellant’s…
Changes to the Worker’s Compensation Act
By Ron Ryan
Below is a link to document that was prepared by the Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations. It summarizes changes to the Worker’s Compensation Act. The Act took immediate effect on December 19, 2011.
5002: SUMMARY AS ENROLLED (Date Completed: 12-19-11) – WORKER’S COMPENSATION CHANGES
And here is a link
Michigan’s Governor Snyder issues press release regarding changes to WC Law
By Ron Ryan
Snyder signs bills to update workers’ comp, unemployment insurance systems
Monday, Dec. 19, 2011LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today signed legislation strengthening the state’s Unemployment Insurance program and updating workers’ compensation laws.
“These bills are critical to our reinvention of Michigan,” Snyder said. “Modernizing our unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation systems will ensure…
So Why Have Worker’s Compensation Insurance at all?
By Ron Ryan
Depending on the industry, worker’s compensation insurance can be a significant expense. So, why is it mandatory? What if there was no worker’s compensation insurance at all? There was at time, just over 100 years ago when this was true. As you will discover, employers and employees are far better off with it, than…
Governor reduces the number of Magistrates to 17
By Ron Ryan
Effective January 26, 2010, the number of Magistrates will be reduced to 17. The Workers Disability Compensation Act calls for a total number of Magistrates of 30. However, that number was reduced to 26 by executive order of the Governor back in 2003.The purpose of the order is that, “productivity and caseload justify a further…
What Happens to Workers Compensation Claims when an Insurance Company goes Bankrupt?
By Ron Ryan
When a workers’ compensation insurance company goes bankrupt the claims of the insolvent company go to the Michigan Property & Casualty Guarantee Association (MPCGA). The MPCGA then becomes the carrier for those claims.The issue was recently discussed by the Court of Appeals in Smith v. Parkland Inn, 22 MIWCLR (LRP) 122:”MPCGA is an association…
Court of Appeals addresses attorney fees.
By Ron Ryan
On August 21, 2008 the Court of Appeals issued an opinion regarding workers compensation and attorney fees. It ruled that the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission correctly awarded attorney fees to a claimant whose medical bills were not paid until he hired an attorney and sought relief from the Workers’ Compensation Agency.The Court ruled that attorney…