Michigan Workers' Compensation Settlement Calculator
Estimate Michigan workers' comp — Weekly Benefit (2026), Waiting Period, Scheduled Loss (Specific Loss)
Last reviewed: April 2026
🚗 MICHIGAN: Weekly Benefit (2026) | Waiting Period | Scheduled Loss (Specific Loss)
Your Injury
Your Estimated Settlement
$36,000 — $66,000
Workers' Compensation Claim Data
Based on 5,586,588 real payments totaling $139.7B from official New York State workers' comp claims.
Average
$25K
Median
$20K
25th %ile
$13K
90th %ile
$44K
Source: NY Workers' Compensation Board. Actual payouts may vary based on individual circumstances.
Editorially Reviewed — Content reviewed for accuracy using published legal research, government data, and verified court records. See our methodology
Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
Michigan Workers' Compensation Law
Michigan workers' compensation benefits is governed by MCL 418.355 / WDCA 2026 (Weekly Benefit (2026)): Max $1,201/wk. 90% of statewide AWW. Benefit = 80% of after-tax AWW (dependents/tax status). Income-tax-free.
Waiting Period (MCL 418.301(4)): 7 calendar days (incl. weekends). First 7 unpaid. Retroactive if disability exceeds 14 days.
Scheduled Loss (Specific Loss) (MCL 418.361): Arm 269 wks | Leg 288 | Hand 244 | Foot 162 | Thumb 65 | Eye 162. Paid at 80% of after-tax AWW subject to max. Concurrent with TTD during healing period.
Key Michigan Workers' Compensation Statutes
Michigan workers' compensation benefits operates under these critical legal rules:
MCL 418.355 / WDCA 2026
Weekly Benefit (2026)Standard: Max $1,201/wk
Scope: 90% of statewide AWW. Benefit = 80% of after-tax AWW (dependents/tax status). Income-tax-free.
MCL 418.301(4)
Waiting PeriodStandard: 7 calendar days (incl. weekends)
Scope: First 7 unpaid. Retroactive if disability exceeds 14 days.
MCL 418.361
Scheduled Loss (Specific Loss)Standard: Arm 269 wks | Leg 288 | Hand 244 | Foot 162 | Thumb 65 | Eye 162
Scope: Paid at 80% of after-tax AWW subject to max. Concurrent with TTD during healing period.
MCL 418.301 / 2011 Reform / Stokes (481 Mich 266)
PIWEC Wage Earning CapacityStandard: Benefits reduced by post-injury wage-earning capacity (even hypothetical)
Scope: Insurer asserts 'phantom wages' — hypothetical earnings in jobs worker is qualified for — to reduce benefits. Uniquely aggressive in MI.
MCL 418.131 / 418.827
Exclusive Remedy + Third-PartyStandard: WC exclusive vs employer; third-party tort preserved
Scope: No intentional tort exception against employer (unlike most states). Third-party product/contractor claims preserved.
Recovery Structure
Medical treatment (typically unlimited), lost wages at a % of average weekly wage (AWW) subject to state max, permanent impairment awards via scheduled or unscheduled system, vocational rehab, death/survivor benefits. No pain and suffering under WC (trade-off of exclusive remedy).
Key Michigan Doctrines
PIWEC Wage Earning Capacity: Benefits reduced by post-injury wage-earning capacity (even hypothetical). Exclusive Remedy + Third-Party: WC exclusive vs employer; third-party tort preserved
Damage Structure + Caps
Medical benefits (usually full), lost wage replacement (partial %), permanent disability award, death benefits
Michigan Workers' Compensation Verdicts + Averages
Recent Michigan workers' compensation benefits outcomes:
| Amount | Year | Case / Injury |
|---|---|---|
| $525K | 2024 | Open award redemption — auto worker, bilateral hearing loss + shoulder, 15-year claim |
| $230K | 2023 | Scheduled loss — leg amputation below knee (288 wks) |
| $95K | 2024 | PIWEC dispute resolved — phantom-wage assertion reduced benefit 60% |
| $32K | 2023 | Soft tissue back, 12 weeks TTD, no permanent |
Michigan Workers' Compensation FAQs
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Michigan for 2026?
The Michigan 2026 max is $1,201/week (MCL 418.355; WDCA 2026). This applies to TTD (temporary total disability) and most wage-replacement benefits. Your benefit = percentage of your AWW (average weekly wage) up to this cap.
How long do I have to report my Michigan work injury?
Michigan requires notice to employer quickly — typically within 30-90 days depending on state. Failure to give timely notice can bar your claim. Even informal reporting to supervisor typically counts, but get it in writing and keep copies.
Can I sue my employer in Michigan in addition to workers' comp?
Generally NO — workers' comp is 'exclusive remedy' in Michigan, meaning WC is your only remedy against your employer. Exceptions: (1) third-party claims against non-employer defendants (e.g., equipment manufacturer, subcontractor), (2) extreme intentional employer misconduct (narrow). Third-party claims + WC running parallel is common.
What is a Compromise & Release in Michigan workers' comp?
C&R is a lump-sum settlement resolving all or part of your claim in exchange for a defined payment. Most often resolves permanent disability + future medical. Requires approval from the Michigan workers' comp judge or commission. Future medical may be included (full resolution) or excluded (open medical).
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Almost never. Initial offers typically underestimate permanent impairment and future medical. Before accepting, get an independent medical evaluation and consult a workers' comp attorney — most work on contingency with fees regulated by Michigan statute.
Pending Michigan Workers' Compensation Issues
Active legal developments (as of April 2026):
- PIWEC 'phantom wages' doctrine uniquely aggressive in MI — insurers assert vocational evidence to slash benefits with limited appellate oversight.
- MCL 418.301 choice-of-law: out-of-state injuries may be compensable if contract entered in MI — creates jurisdiction disputes.
- 2011 reform pathological-change requirement makes cumulative trauma claims harder; appellate interpretation evolving.
- MI has no PPD percentage rating system — disability is functional/economic, case valuation highly variable.
Informational only — consult a licensed attorney for case-specific advice.
Primary Sources
- www.workerscomplawyerhelp.com/blog/2026/02/michigan-workers-compensation-rates-2026
- www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-418-361
- www.workerscomplawyerhelp.com/blog/why-your-wage-earning-capacity-matters-under-michigan-workers-compensation
Other State Workers' Compensation Calculators
Illinois
Lifetime uncapped medical, $1,960.92/wk (2026)
Ohio
BWC monopoly fund, Industrial Commission PTD, $1,231/wk
New York
LWEC + Workers' Comp Protection Act 2024, $1,222/wk max
California
SIBTF reform 2026, $1,764/wk max, QME + SB 636
Main Workers' Comp Calculator
Nationwide WC benefits overview
All Workers' Compensation Calculators by State
Other Calculators for Michigan
Each Michigan calculator reflects state-specific laws (caps, statutes of limitations, comparative-negligence rules) and uses Michigan verdict data where available.