The Flint Journal & Genesee County Bar Association's "Ask the Attorney"

MACDONALD, FITZGERALD & MACDONALD, P.C

Q. Aren't most people suing to collect workers' comp really scam artists looking for a free ride?

A. No. Most of the people who seek our legal help are longstanding employees who have become unable to do their jobs due to medical problems. Without a paycheck, their homes and cars may face foreclosure and repossession. Sometimes there is a dispute between doctors about whether the medical problems are work-related, or whether it is medically appropriate for the clients to return to work in their condition. Other times an insurance company obnoxiously refuses to pay claims that are obviously due. There is nothing glamorous about the loss of income following a work injury. Even if workers' compensation benefits are secured, in Michigan benefits replace only up to 80% of the employee's lost income. Workers' compensation provides a modesty safety net for injured workers and their families to help them avoid complete financial disaster.

Atty. Robert J. MacDonald
--August 2010 column