Michigan Workers' Compensation Laws

Notify your employer within 90 days of the injury or within 90 days of when you knew or should have known of the injury.

File a claim with the Workers' Disability Compensation Agency within 2 years. Disputes are heard by a magistrate at the WDCA.

Total disability benefits pay 80% of after-tax average weekly wage. Maximum weekly rate is $1,201 (2026). Partial disability pays 80% of the difference between pre-injury and post-injury wage-earning capacity.

The employer has the right to choose the initial treating physician for the first 28 days. After 28 days, the employee may choose their own physician.

Workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy against the employer. The only exception is intentional torts — requiring a deliberate act where the employer specifically intended an injury. This is an extremely high bar.

Scheduled benefits for permanent injuries: paid at 80% of after-tax average weekly wage for a set number of weeks based on the body part (e.g., loss of arm, leg, hand, foot, eye). The schedule provides specific week counts for each type of loss.