Workers' Compensation
Attorney Giffels has been involved in Michigan Workers’ Compensation Law since 1988.
Initially, he was a claims adjuster for Liberty Mutual Insurance, then Citizens Insurance. After graduating, with
honors, from law school in 1994, he defended insurance carriers and employers at a downtown
Kalamazoo law firm.
Attorney Giffels represents only injured workers in the Workers’ Compensation Court. He refuses to
represent employers or insurance companies. His successful track record speaks for itself in this area of law.
When a worker is injured while at work, or when working, the Michigan Workers Compensation Law
mandates that the employee be compensated for those injuries.
There are three main types of benefits to which the injured worker is entitled:
Wage loss: The Act requires that an injured worker be paid 80% of his after tax weekly wage when
unable to work due to a work related injury or industrial disease. There is a seven (7) day waiting period
before the wage loss benefits kick in, however, after fourteen (14) consecutive days of disability, the
working period is eliminated. The employer and their insurance company may owe the injured worker
penalties of $50 per day if they do not either dispute the claim or pay the claim within thirty (30) days.
There is no limitation in time on these benefits. They are potentially lifelong in nature.
Medical: The employer and insurance carrier must promptly furnish medical treatment for a work
related injury. The employer can legally require the injured worker to treat at a health care provider
chosen by the employer (so called “company clinics”). After ten (10) days has past, the injured worker
may then treat with a doctor of their own choice.
Rehabilitation: Reasonable rehabilitation services are a requirement of our workers compensation law.
Although lesser known than wage loss and medical benefits, your right to vocational rehabilitation
services could amount to a substantial and valuable benefit to you if you are unable to return to your
job. The employer could be responsible for paying for your education under the right circumstances
and with the help of the right attorney.
Call today and speak directly with Attorney James Giffels about your case. There is no cost and no
obligation to find out what your rights are.