Michigan Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Working For Workers’ Rights

Adler Firm, PLLC is a preeminent Michigan workers’ compensation law firm. Based in Traverse City, with a satellite location in Farmington Hills, the firm helps injured workers and their families throughout the State of Michigan, with a primary focus on serving clients in Grand Traverse County, surrounding northern Michigan counties, and southeastern Michigan. With over four decades of workers’ compensation practice experience, workers’ comp attorney Barry Adler offers every client the full benefit of his substantial knowledge and customized service.

Extensive Experience and Personalized Client Service

When a Michigan worker suffers a work-related injury or illness, state workers’ compensation laws provide most workers with benefits intended to replace lost wages, facilitate treatment, recovery, and an eventual return to work. Unfortunately, access to those benefits often is unfairly denied or disputed by an employer or insurance company, leaving the worker unable to get their benefits.

To ensure that workers do not feel helpless after an injury or illness, workers’ comp attorney Barry Adler dedicates his law practice to getting workers and their families the full and fair compensation they deserve. For more than 40 years, Barry’s practice has focused on workers’ compensation, as well as personal injury and Social Security Disability claims, which frequently are related to a work injury or illness.

Barry has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits and compensation for his clients. His substantial record of proven success reflects his appreciation for the value of intense case preparation and his reputation as a lawyer who does not cut corners. Barry puts in the work that is necessary to win a case, while working efficiently and maintaining the highest level of integrity in his practice.

Throughout the complex process, Barry places a priority on being accessible to the client and ensuring that there is no confusion about the status of the case and the next steps in the process. He is committed to getting every hardworking client the benefits they deserve, so that they and their family can move forward and focus on the future.

Workers’ Compensation Laws in Michigan

The Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act establishes protections and benefits for workers who suffer employment-related injuries and illnesses. The Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency, in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, is responsible for administering the workers’ comp system in the state.

All public (government) employers are subject to the Act. Private, non-government employers who regularly employ three or more workers must also comply. There are limited circumstances where other private employers may also be subject to the Act.

For an employer subject to the Act, all workers are covered, whether they are employed full-time or part-time. Independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation. Being called an “independent contractor” does not necessarily mean a worker is not an employee according to the law.

Different types of benefits are available through workers’ compensation, including:

• Medical care is available from the moment that the injury or illness occurs. Workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical care for as long as treatment is needed. There are no co-pays or deductibles. During the first 28 days after the start of treatment, the employer has the right to direct the employee to a doctor of their choice, usually a company clinic like Concentra or Occupational Health.
• Wage loss benefits begin after a seven-day waiting period following the injury or illness. The worker is eligible for wage loss benefits on the eighth day. However, if the worker is out of work for at least 14 days, wage loss benefits are paid for the first seven days. Weekly wage loss benefits are about 80% of the worker’s wages after taxes. There is a maximum wage loss benefit in 2025 of $1164. This is adjusted every year based on changes in the state average weekly wage.
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits include services like new job training and education to help the worker return to work. A worker has the right to vocational rehabilitation if the worker cannot perform the same work as before their injury or illness. If the employer and worker cannot agree on a vocational rehabilitation program, the worker has the right to a hearing.
• Total and permanent disability benefits are available if a worker demonstrates that an injury or illness resulted in a certain type of disability, as defined by the law.
• Loss of certain specific body parts entitles a worker to benefits for a guaranteed minimum amount of time, even if they are able to work.
• Death benefits are available for dependents of a deceased worker.

Benefit Denials and Disputes

If an employer and/or their insurance company denies or disputes a worker’s claim, the worker (or their dependent) is entitled to challenge the denial of benefits. The workers’ compensation process is extremely complex. If you challenge a denial or dispute, you are not required to have legal counsel, but representation by an experienced workers’ comp attorney ensures that you protect all your rights and have the best chance of succeeding in challenging the adverse action. The employer/insurance carrier will have a lawyer defend the claim so you will need one too.

Adler Firm provides results-driven representation in workers’ compensation cases. If you receive an injury at work that requires long-term treatment or causes a disability, workers’ comp attorney Barry Adler helps you navigate the complex process to make certain that you receive all the benefits you deserve. A free consultation will enable him to make sure you are getting the correct benefit amount, medical care, and other benefits provided by the law. There is never a charge for a consultation and never a fee charged unless a recovery of denied benefits is made, or a settlement is negotiated. All fees must be approved by a magistrate to protect the employee from being overcharged.

Barry has a proven, decades-long unwavering commitment to supporting workers whose rights are denied by employers and insurance companies. If your employer or their insurance company denies or disputes any benefits after a work injury or illness, he applies his decades of workers’ compensation experience to challenge the denial of benefits. Barry’s accessible, personalized service demonstrates his dedication to prioritizing and protecting his clients’ rights and interests in every case.

The firm helps clients file claims, make appeals, prepare for hearings, and much more as part of the workers’ compensation process. We take cases against a wide range of large and small companies in diverse industries, such as healthcare, construction, and the auto industry. Your first consultation is always free of charge, and you only pay us attorney’s fees if we get results for you.