Construction Worker Injured in Michigan?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Michigan DWC regulations
Reviewed by: David K. Warren, Esq.
Occupational Injury Attorney · IL Bar #6320145 · 11 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your foot & ankle injury claim is worth. Michigan workers typically receive $12,000–$88,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$12,000
Avg low
$88,000
Avg high
2 years
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $640/week
80%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,120
max weekly benefit
15%
typical attorney fee
2
filing deadline
Michigan Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act (MCL § 418.101 et seq.)
TTD rate: 80% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,120
Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 90 days
Key features of Michigan's system:
- ✓ Wage-loss system (benefits tied to actual wage loss)
- ✓ Favored-work defense — employer can offer light duty to suspend benefits
- ✓ Appellate Commission provides two-tier appellate review
Michigan's Workers' Disability Compensation Agency (WDCA) administers a wage-loss system — benefits are paid only when a claimant has an actual wage loss due to disability. This is unique among most states. Michigan uses a differential disability standard: if a worker can perform any type of job, benefits may be reduced or terminated through a "favored work" offer. Attorney fees are hourly (not contingency), which is another distinctive feature.
What to Expect with Foot & Ankle Injury in Michigan
10%
Average impairment rating
$18,000
Average medical costs
Foot and ankle injuries at work range from metatarsal fractures (common in construction when objects are dropped) to Achilles tendon ruptures and ankle sprains. Most states schedule the foot and ankle separately — New York awards up to 205 weeks for total foot loss. Workers who spend long shifts on hard surfaces may develop plantar fasciitis as a compensable occupational disease. Crush injuries to the foot, particularly in manufacturing and warehouse settings, can cause complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a neuropathic pain condition that dramatically inflates settlement values due to its chronic nature and treatment-resistant profile. Surgical cases involving hardware implantation often lead to arthritic changes that require ongoing treatment for years.
Common treatments
- ✓ Cast or boot immobilization
- ✓ Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)
- ✓ Achilles tendon repair
- ✓ Physical therapy and gait retraining
- ✓ Custom orthotics
- ✓ Ankle arthroscopy or fusion (severe arthritis)
Documentation needed
- ✓ X-rays and CT scan of fracture or dislocation
- ✓ Podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon notes
- ✓ Incident report describing the mechanism of injury
- ✓ Employer records confirming work-related cause
- ✓ Functional capacity evaluation
- ✓ Impairment rating per AMA Guides
Frequently asked questions
How is foot & ankle injury compensation calculated in Michigan?
In Michigan, your weekly benefit is 80% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,120. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average foot & ankle injury settlement in Michigan?
Michigan workers with foot & ankle injury typically settle between $12,000 and $88,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Michigan?
2 years from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Michigan?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 15% of settlement.
Other Michigan Workers' Comp Claims
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.