Work Injury Attorney
Legal Help For Michigan Workers Hurt On The Job
A work injury can upend your health, your paycheck, and your peace of mind. In Oakland County, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and retail, injured employees often face complex rules, unfamiliar deadlines, and pressure to return before they are ready. Steele & Ferguson, P.C. helps injured workers navigate the process and pursue the full benefits the law provides.
If you were hurt on the job or developed a work-related condition, our team focuses on workers’ compensation claims and related Social Security Disability matters. We assemble medical evidence, document wage loss, and press insurers for fair results so you can focus on healing.
Call (810) 645-9147 or request your free case evaluation to speak with our work injury attorney today.
Workers’ compensation in Oakland County: what you need to know
Workers’ compensation is designed to cover medical care and a portion of lost wages when an employee suffers a work injury. In Oakland County, most employers must carry coverage, and benefits are available regardless of fault in many scenarios. Still, claims can stall when insurers question whether an injury is work-related, dispute medical treatment, or calculate wage loss incorrectly.
Our firm helps you understand which benefits may apply, including medical treatment, mileage for medical travel, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation in appropriate cases, and potential benefits for permanent limitations. We coordinate with your doctors to ensure treatment plans and restrictions are documented and communicated clearly to your employer and the insurance carrier.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention. Keep copies of incident reports, doctor notes, and restrictions. When you consult Steele & Ferguson, P.C., we assemble a complete claim file that includes your accident narrative, medical records, job description, and wage documentation. We also track deadlines, follow up on delayed approvals, and represent you in hearings if your claim is denied or reduced.
When a work injury intersects with SSDI
Some work injuries lead to long-term impairment that keeps you off the job for 12 months or more. In those cases, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance may be appropriate. Our team handles both workers’ compensation and SSDI matters, helping you avoid common pitfalls such as inconsistent medical narratives or incomplete forms. We coordinate the evidence so your disability claim reflects the same medical reality presented in your workers’ compensation file.
If your SSDI claim is denied, we prepare appeals, obtain targeted medical opinions, and represent you at hearings. We also advise on how workers’ compensation benefits can interact with SSDI payments so you understand the financial picture and avoid preventable offsets.
Common Oakland County workplace accidents and injuries
Every job carries risk, and certain industries in Oakland County see recurring patterns. We regularly represent workers dealing with:
- Lifting injuries cause back, shoulder, or knee problems
- Machinery and hand tool injuries, including lacerations and crush injuries
- Repetitive trauma, such as carpal tunnel or tendonitis
- Slips, trips, and falls on job sites, loading docks, and hospital floors
- Vehicle crashes during deliveries or travel between job sites
- Occupational disease, including respiratory conditions and chemical exposure
- Aggravation of preexisting conditions due to job duties
Whether your injury arose in a single incident or developed over time, we work to connect the medical evidence to your job duties so your claim is taken seriously from the outset.
How Steele & Ferguson, P.C. builds your claim
Our approach is thorough and organized. We start with a detailed intake to capture how, where, and when you were injured and what duties you performed. Then we:
- Gather and analyze medical records to document diagnoses, treatment, restrictions, and prognosis
- Coordinate with treating providers for clear work restrictions and referrals to appropriate specialists
- Calculate wage loss using your average weekly wage and verify overtime and premium pay when applicable
- Prepare you for independent medical examinations and challenge unfair reports
- Negotiate with insurers for authorized care, prompt wage checks, and fair settlements when appropriate
- Litigate denials and underpayments and present persuasive evidence at hearings
Throughout your case, we provide updates in plain language and make it easy to reach your attorney and legal team. If you want to see how our client-focused approach plays out in real life, read our testimonials to understand how we support injured workers from start to finish.
What to do after a work injury in Oakland County
Taking the right steps early can protect your health and your claim.
- Report the injury to your supervisor right away and request an incident report.
- Get medical care and follow treatment plans. Tell providers exactly how the injury happened and what your job requires.
- Keep all paperwork, including restrictions, bills, and mileage.
- Avoid social media posts about the injury, symptoms, or activities.
- Speak with our work injury attorney team before giving recorded statements or signing documents from the insurer.
Signs your workers’ compensation claim needs help
Consider legal help if any of the following occur:
- Your wage checks are late, too low, or have suddenly stopped
- Necessary treatment or referrals are denied
- The insurer schedules an exam that conflicts with your treating doctor’s opinion
- You are pressured to return to work despite restrictions
- You received a notice of hearing or denial
Work injury vs. personal injury claims
Not every on-the-job injury is limited to workers’ compensation. If a third party contributed to your injury, such as a negligent driver, defective product manufacturer, or outside contractor, you may have a separate personal injury claim. We identify all potential sources of recovery while protecting your workers’ compensation eligibility and ensuring that any settlement is coordinated responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prove my employer was at fault to receive workers’ compensation?
In many situations, you do not have to prove fault to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The focus is on whether your injury arose out of and in the course of employment. We help document the connection between your job and your injury to support your claim.
How soon should I report my work injury?
Report as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps secure medical treatment and reduces disputes about how the injury happened. Provide a written report if you can, keep a copy, and follow up with your doctor right away.
What benefits can workers’ compensation provide?
You may qualify for medical care related to your work injury and partial wage replacement while you are off work under restrictions. Some workers may also receive benefits for permanent limitations or vocational assistance if they cannot return to their prior job. We explain which benefits fit your situation.
Can I choose my own doctor for a work injury?
The rules on doctor choice can be specific and may change. We help you understand your options, coordinate referrals, and protect your right to appropriate treatment so your recovery is the priority, not the insurer’s convenience.
What if my claim is denied or my checks stop?
A denial or sudden stoppage does not mean your case is over. We can file objections, request hearings, and present medical and wage evidence to challenge the decision. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can stabilize benefits and treatment.
How do workers’ compensation and SSDI affect each other?
Some workers receive both, but there can be offsets that reduce what you are paid. We advise on timing, documentation, and settlement structures so your combined benefits make sense for your household.
Get reliable help for work injuries in Oakland County today
Every day you wait is a day without benefits you may need for treatment and bills. If you are recovering from a work injury in Oakland County, Steele & Ferguson, P.C. is ready to act quickly on your claim and guide you through workers’ compensation and SSDI.
Schedule your free consultation now or call (810) 645-9147 to speak with our work injury attorney.
