Workplace Accident Attorney in Kent County
Your Trusted Partner When a Workplace Accident Disrupts Life in Kent County
A serious workplace injury can upend your health, income, and family routine in an instant. Whether your accident happened on a construction site in Grand Rapids, at a manufacturing plant in Wyoming or Kentwood, or while driving for work on US-131, you deserve clear guidance and a plan to protect your benefits under Michigan law.
Steele & Ferguson, P.C., represents injured workers across Kent County. Our team handles claims involving falls, equipment failures, repetitive stress, overexertion, vehicle collisions, and exposure injuries at employers large and small, from hospitals and distribution centers to shops and municipal departments. If you need a workplace accident lawyer in Kent County who will move quickly and keep you informed at every step, we are ready to help.
Call Steele & Ferguson, P.C. at (810) 645-9147 now for a free, confidential workplace accident case review or submit the quick contact form to speak with our lawyer today.
How Kent County Workplace Accident Claims Work
After a job-related injury or illness, Michigan’s workers’ compensation system is designed to cover medical care and wage loss benefits. Most employers are required to carry coverage, and benefits are typically available regardless of fault. The process starts with reporting your injury to your employer, getting medical attention, and documenting everything.
Once your claim is opened, an insurance adjuster evaluates your medical records, your ability to work, and your wages. If your claim is delayed, underpaid, or denied, you have a right to challenge the decision and present evidence through the Michigan workers’ compensation system. Our firm builds the record through medical proof, wage documentation, and testimony to pursue the full benefits you are owed.
Common Kent County workplace accidents and injuries
Manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, warehousing, and construction jobs in Kent County bring specific risks. We regularly see:
- Forklift or heavy equipment incidents at warehouses and distribution hubs
- Falls from heights and scaffold accidents on construction sites
- Repetitive motion and lifting injuries among healthcare staff
- Machine guarding failures and crush injuries in local factories
- Delivery driver crashes and on-the-job motor vehicle collisions
- Chemical exposure and occupational illness in industrial settings
Each case turns on detailed facts. We investigate how the incident happened, whether safety rules were followed, and what medical evidence proves your condition and restrictions.
Who is covered and when
Most employees injured in the course of employment are covered, including full-time, part-time, and many seasonal workers. Special rules can apply to contractors, temp workers, or traveling employees. If you were hurt while performing job duties, even off-site, you may still have a compensable claim. We sort out coverage questions early to keep your case on track.
What if my claim is denied or reduced
Insurers may dispute whether an injury is work-related, argue a preexisting condition, or reduce wage loss based on an asserted return-to-work capacity. We counter with targeted medical opinions, accurate wage calculations, and vocational analysis. If the case requires hearings, we prepare you thoroughly and present a clear, documented claim.
What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Kent County
Taking the right steps in the hours and days after an injury can protect both your health and your benefits.
- Report the injury promptly to a supervisor and follow your employer’s procedures. Provide clear details about how, where, and when it happened.
- Get medical care right away. Be honest with your providers about your work duties and symptoms, and keep all follow-up appointments.
- Write down what you remember. Note witnesses, equipment involved, and any safety issues. Save photos, incident reports, and emails.
- Track your wages and missed time. Keep pay stubs and note any light-duty offers or schedule changes.
- Speak with a workplace accident attorney before giving recorded statements or signing forms you do not understand.
We coordinate treatment documentation, help avoid common pitfalls, and push the insurer for timely benefits.
Benefits and Compensation Available in Michigan
While every case is different, injured workers may be eligible for:
- Medical treatment and mileage to authorized appointments
- Wage loss benefits when you cannot work or earn your pre-injury wages
- Vocational rehabilitation to help you return to suitable employment
- Specific loss benefits for certain permanent injuries
- Death benefits to dependents in fatal cases
Workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering, but in many cases, there may be an additional path to compensation through a third-party claim if someone other than your employer caused your injuries.
Third-party claims in addition to workers’ compensation
If a negligent driver, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner contributed to your accident, you may have a civil claim for damages such as pain and suffering and full lost earnings. These claims run alongside workers’ compensation and follow different rules and deadlines. We evaluate third-party liability early, secure evidence, and coordinate both tracks to maximize your total recovery.
How Steele & Ferguson, P.C. Builds Your Case
Our approach is hands-on and evidence-driven.
- Early investigation: We gather incident reports, OSHA records where applicable, maintenance logs, photographs, and witness statements. We also request complete medical records and imaging to document diagnosis and work restrictions.
- Medical proof: We work with your treating providers and, when necessary, independent specialists to obtain clear opinions connecting your injury to the work event and outlining functional limits.
- Wage and return-to-work analysis: We calculate your average wages accurately, review light-duty offers for suitability, and challenge improper reductions.
- Negotiation and hearings: We press for timely payment of benefits and reasonable settlement where appropriate, and we litigate when the insurer refuses to pay what the law requires.
- Communication: You will receive frequent updates and practical guidance on treatment, work status, and next steps.
Local Insight Across Kent County
We serve injured workers throughout Kent County, including Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, Rockford, Lowell, Cedar Springs, and surrounding communities. Our familiarity with local employers, job sites, and common hazards helps us ask the right questions and anticipate insurer defenses. Whether your case involves an injury at a hospital in Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, a fall at a multi-employer construction site, or a crash near Gerald R. Ford International Airport while on the clock, our team is ready to help.
When the Insurance Company Calls
You may be asked for recorded statements, to attend an insurer medical exam, or to return to light-duty work. These steps can affect your benefits. We prepare you before any interview, scrutinize the scope of insurer exams, and review proposed light-duty positions to ensure they fit your medical restrictions and your employer’s obligations.
Documentation that strengthens your claim
- A detailed timeline of symptoms and limitations
- Notes from supervisors or coworkers who saw the incident or your condition
- Logs of missed work, reduced hours, or job search efforts if you are partially disabled
- A list of all medications, referrals, and therapy appointments
- Copies of any write-ups or discipline tied to your injury report
Timeline and Process Overview
Every claim is unique, but most cases follow a similar path:
- Injury and report to the employer
- Initial medical treatment and claim opening
- Payment decision by the insurer
- Disputes or delays are addressed through negotiation or hearings
- Ongoing medical care and wage benefits while you recover
- Case resolution by continued benefits, redemption settlement, or trial decision
We keep the process moving, meet all filing requirements, and protect you from tactics that can slow or undercut your claim.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Workplace Accident Claim
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but experienced legal counsel can often mean the difference between partial, delayed benefits and a complete, timely recovery. We step in to secure proper medical authorizations, correct wage rates, enforce treatment rights, and pursue third-party claims where available. Our fee is contingency-based, meaning you pay no attorney fee unless we recover for you, and fees are regulated under Michigan law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my employer says I was not hurt at work?
Report the injury in writing, request medical treatment, and contact our office. Independent medical documentation and witness statements can establish work-relatedness even when an employer disputes it.
Can I choose my own doctor for treatment?
Choice of provider can be limited at the start of a claim, and rules may change over time. Speak with our team before switching providers so you do not jeopardize payment for care.
Do I have a case if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Workers’ compensation benefits typically do not depend on fault. Even if a mistake contributed to your injury, you may still be entitled to medical and wage benefits. Separate third-party claims follow different fault rules, which we will evaluate.
What benefits can I receive if I can work only reduced hours?
If your injury allows restricted duty or part-time work at lower pay, you may qualify for partial wage loss benefits to make up a portion of the difference. We calculate the numbers and challenge improper cuts.
What if the insurance company sends me to an independent medical exam?
Attend the exam, be truthful, and note the limited time the examiner spends with you. We prepare you beforehand and address any inaccurate conclusions that could impact your benefits.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
Retaliation for asserting a lawful claim is prohibited. If your employer takes adverse action because you reported an injury or sought benefits, speak with our office immediately about your options.
How long will my case take to resolve?
Timelines vary based on the severity of your injuries, treatment plans, and whether the insurer disputes benefits. We move aggressively to secure what you need now and position your case for the best outcome.
Take control of your recovery in Kent County
Delays and denials cost real money and momentum. Speak with a workplace accident lawyer in Kent County who will act quickly to protect your benefits, explore third-party liability, and guide you through every decision.
Schedule your free consultation with Steele & Ferguson, P.C. today. Call at (810) 645-9147 or send a message and get answers from our lawyers within one business day.
