Do I need a lawyer to file for Worker’s Compensation?
No, but a lawyer experienced in these areas can help you navigate the forms, the processes, the medical reporting expectations, and any negotiations with self-insured worker’s compensation providers. They will be knowledgeable about additional monetary awards your worker’s compensation claim may be eligible to receive. They can also appeal any declined requests for Worker’s Compensation. Since Worker’s Compensation lawyers work on contingency, if they decide to take your case, you won’t have to pay for their services until your claim is paid. Once your claim is paid, the lawyer would be paid a percentage of the ending claim. If you want to attempt the process on your own, you can do so through your state bureau of worker’s compensation. See “Where to Read More” in the Workers' Compensation area for links to related sites or visit lawyer listings on Metro Detroit Find a Lawyer.
What is an FROI and do I need to file one for Worker’s Compensation?
FROI, or “First Report of Injury, Occupational Disease, or Death” is the application used to initiate a workers’ compensation claim. A worker’s compensation attorney can complete one for you or the form is available online, at the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation site. Injured workers can also complete an Authorization to Release Medical Information (C-101) form online or with an attorney’s assistance. See “Where to Read More” in the legal tool kit, workers' compensation area, for links. If filing the FROI form on your own, be honest but, if your injury or disease was truly work-related, take care not to give a false impression that it was pre-existing. Injuries found to be pre-existing may be declined worker’s compensation benefits. You or a worker’s compensation attorney can appeal denied claims.
Why is paperwork about my injury labeled with an ICD-9 code number?
An ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases) code is a classification system that assigns numbers to diseases and injuries. Most ICD-9 codes consist of three, four or five numbers along with a description. The codes are used by the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation as abbreviations of injury descriptions and appropriate and approved treatments.
