WORKER'S COMP: BACK WAGES, MEDICAL BILLS, COSTS

House Bill 4659

Sponsor: Rep. Glenn Anderson

Committee: Insurance and Financial Services

Complete to 7-10-01

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4659 AS INTRODUCED 4-24-01

The bill would amend the Worker's Disability Compensation Act to require the payment of back wages, medical bills, and attorney expenses if an injured worker who had been denied benefits was subsequently found to be entitled to benefits.

More specifically, if a worker's compensation magistrate determined that a claimant was entitled to an award of benefits, the magistrate would be required to order the insurance carrier or fund that was liable to pay the following amounts:

(1) The weekly wage loss benefits from the date of injury to the date of the award, with interest at 12 percent, and continuing afterwards for the period determined by the magistrate.

(2) All medical bills, including any rehabilitation costs, not previously paid that were related to the claim.

(3) All other costs, including attorney fees (subject to Section 858, which places certain limits on hearing costs, including maximum attorney and physician fees), incurred by the claimant to reinstate his or her benefits.

MCL 418.852

 

Analyst: J. Caver

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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.