Workers Compensation Law in Michigan
This page covers workers compensation law as it applies in Michigan — the state and federal laws that govern it, filing deadlines, where to get help, and notable in-state decisions. For what workers compensation protects generally, see the national overview.
Compiled from primary legal sourcesNot legal adviceHow we source this
Quick answer
Michigan's Workers' Disability Compensation Act provides no-fault medical and wage benefits to most employees who are hurt or become ill on the job — you do not have to prove your employer was at fault. If you are injured at work, report it to your employer right away and seek medical care; the insurance pays for treatment starting the first day. If your claim is disputed, you can request a hearing through the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency. Key deadlines can be as short as 90 days from the injury, so act without delay.
Laws that govern workers compensation in Michigan
Michigan state law
- Workers' Disability Compensation Act of 1969MCL Chapter 418 (Act 317 of 1969)
Michigan's primary workers' compensation law establishing the no-fault benefits system, employer insurance requirements, employee rights, and procedures for filing and resolving claims.
Federal law
- Title 29 — Labor
The U.S. Code title that houses these federal statutes.
- Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Created OSHA. Sets workplace safety standards for most private-sector employers. Codified at 29 U.S.C. ch. 15.
- Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act
Michigan-specific deadlines for workers compensation cases
Enter the date your problem happened to see which deadlines may already have passed. Not every deadline applies to every situation — this is a general estimate, not legal advice. Deadlines can be shorter, paused, or extended.
- Deadline to file a workers' compensation claim: 2 years
A claim may be made orally to the employer or in writing to the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency. Back wage benefits are limited to the 2-year period before the application is filed; nursing and attendant care benefits are limited to 1 year before that date.
MCL 418.381
- Deadline to file a death (survivor) claim: 2 years
Surviving dependents of a worker who dies from a work-related injury or illness must file their claim within 2 years of the death.
MCL 418.381
These deadlines are general estimates. They can be shorter than they appear, and can be paused (“tolled”) or extended in specific situations. This is not legal advice. If any deadline is near or has passed, talk to a lawyer right away.
Where to go & how to get help
Government agencies and non-profit legal-help organizations for workers compensation in Michigan.
- Michigan Legal Helplegal aid
Free online legal information and self-help tools covering Michigan workers' compensation benefits, wage-loss claims, and how to navigate the system without a lawyer.
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Servicebar referral
Connects Michigan residents with attorneys in their area who handle workers' compensation cases; a useful first step if your claim is disputed or denied.
Directory of free and reduced-cost legal aid organizations across Michigan's counties for workers who cannot afford an attorney.
Official U.S. government starting point for finding free or low-cost legal help and legal-aid programs near you.
Locate the LSC-funded legal-aid organization that serves your county for civil (non-criminal) legal problems.
Find your state or local bar association lawyer-referral service and free legal-answer programs.
Find your state attorney general to file consumer-protection, civil-rights, or other complaints.
How to take action in Michigan
- 1
Report your injury to your employer right away
Tell your supervisor about the injury as soon as possible, preferably in writing. You must give notice within 90 days of the injury, or within 90 days from when you first knew — or should have known — of the injury.
- 2
Get medical treatment
Your employer's workers' compensation insurer covers all reasonable and necessary medical care from the first day of injury. For the first 28 days, your employer has the right to select your treating doctor; after that period you may change doctors by notifying your employer and insurer in writing.
- 3
Track days away from work
Wage-loss benefits apply after a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts 14 days or more, you are also paid retroactively for those first 7 days of lost wages.
- 4
Confirm your employer files the required injury report
If your disability lasts more than 7 consecutive days, your employer is required to report the injury to the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency. You can contact the Agency directly if your employer fails to report.
- 5
File an application for hearing if your claim is denied
If your employer or its insurer denies or disputes your claim, submit an Application for Mediation or Hearing to the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency before the 2-year deadline set by MCL 418.381.
- 6
Gather documentation to support your claim
Collect medical records, a list of your wages for the 52 weeks before the injury, names of any witnesses, and any written communications with your employer or insurer. This evidence matters if your claim goes to a hearing.
A general roadmap, not legal advice — the right steps depend on your situation and deadlines.
Common questions about workers compensation in Michigan
Who is covered by Michigan workers' compensation?
Most private-sector employees in Michigan are covered. Coverage is required for employers with 3 or more employees and for employers in certain higher-risk industries such as construction regardless of employee count. Some workers — including certain agricultural workers, domestic employees, and casual workers for non-construction employers — may not be covered. Contact the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency if you are unsure whether your employer must carry coverage.
What benefits can I receive?
Benefits include payment of all reasonable and necessary medical care starting on the first day of injury, weekly wage-loss payments equal to approximately 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage (up to $1,164 per week in 2025), and vocational rehabilitation services if you cannot return to your prior job. Dependents of a worker who dies from a work-related injury or illness are entitled to death benefits.
Can I sue my employer for a work injury in Michigan?
In most cases, no. Michigan's workers' compensation system is the exclusive remedy against your employer — in exchange for no-fault benefits, you generally give up the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. However, you may still be able to file a claim against a third party (someone other than your employer) whose negligence contributed to your injury.
What if my employer or its insurer denies my claim?
You have the right to contest the denial by filing an Application for Mediation or Hearing with the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency. The Agency assigns magistrates — administrative law judges — to decide disputed claims. Keep in mind that the 2-year deadline to file a claim still applies while the dispute continues.
How much will I receive in weekly wage-loss benefits?
Weekly benefits equal 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage, calculated from your highest-paid 39 weeks in the 52 weeks before your injury, including overtime. Benefits cannot exceed the state maximum, which was $1,164 per week for 2025. Workers' compensation wage benefits are generally not subject to state or federal income tax.
What happens if I wait too long to report my injury?
If you miss the 90-day notice deadline, your employer may argue that the late notice harmed them — for example, that they could not investigate the injury in time. However, failure to give timely notice is legally excused unless the employer can actually prove it was harmed by the delay. Giving notice as soon as possible protects your rights and avoids disputes.
Are work-related illnesses covered, or only sudden accidents?
Both sudden accidents and occupational diseases or conditions that develop gradually from job exposure are covered. The 2-year claim deadline for an occupational disease generally runs from the date the disability becomes apparent or the last day of employment with the employer, not necessarily from the first day of exposure.
Not legal advice. State-specific statutes, deadlines and procedures are being sourced and will appear here.