10 Things You Need to Know About Workers' Compensation Cases 1. Report All Injuries. Cumulative trauma injuries, for example, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, asthma, back, neck, etc., may be be compensable. Therefore, it helps your case to report any work related trauma, pain, and exposure. When we file for a workers' compensation hearing for a client, we list on the Application for Mediation or Hearing ALL dates of injury including all reported injuries and incidents. 2. When Hurt - Seek Medical Attention. When an injury or exposure incident occurs, make sure that it is medically recorded. Your history of injuries helps to prove your entitlement to workers' compensation benefits. 3. Tell the Doctor How Your Condition Is Work Related. Make sure that you tell the medical providers (doctors, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses) how your condition of ill-being is work related. Do not wait to be asked. Some medical providers have not been trained to ask about occupational relationship. 4. Find Out Which Insurance Carrier Covers The Workers' Compensation Insurance For Your Employer. a. Ask the employer for the name and address of the workers' compensation carrier or third party agent if the employer is self insured. b. If the employer does not have the information, ask the employer's insurance agent who sold the workers' compensation policy. c. Ask the Workers' Compensation Agency. - Upper Peninsula: 906-786-2081. - Lansing toll free: 1-888-396-5041. 5. If you think that you are entitled to Workers' Compensation Benefits, do not take "No" For An Answer. You must make a claim for benefits to your employer and, thereafter, to the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier. The carrier must pay or dispute the claim within 30 days. 6. Seek Specific Loss Benefits For Replacements of Knees, Hips, And Shoulders. If, for example, you have a work related knee replacement, you are entitled to 215 weeks of workers' compensation benefits even if you have returned to work or have retired. Similar specific loss benefits apply to hip, shoulder, and other body replacements. 7. Send All Bills And Requests For Reimbursement For Travel Expenses And Other Out-Of-Pocket Costs By Certified Mail. If request for payment is sent by certified mail, and the insurance carrier does not send reimbursement within 30 days, the carrier is subject to a penalty of up to $50.00 per day for each day of delay. 8. If Not Fully Recovered,..,..,Continue Seeing Your Doctor. If you have an ongoing work related condition of ill-being and you stop seeing your doctor, the insurance carrier will close your file which would make it more difficult for you to obtain medical and/ or wage loss benefits in the future. Even if you return to work, you should continue seeing your treating specialist once every six months or at least every year. 9. Injured Workers Are Entitled To Vocational Rehabilitation. If you are not able to return to work or find alternate work following your injury you are entitled to up to 104 weeks of retraining. To find out more about vocational rehabilitation, call the Workers' Compensation Agency at 1-888-396-5041, or go to the web site, michigan.gov/wca, or call us at 1-800-562-0954. 10. Workers' Compensation Cases Often Can Be Settled For A Lump Sum.