Attorney Fees - Employment Law Attorneys

Defending Claims for Attorney Fees in Workers' Compensation Claims

In workers' compensation cases, the Michigan Supreme Court has made it possible for a plaintiff's attorney fees to be awarded by the Magistrate, at his or her discretion, upon the plaintiff's recovery of unpaid medical expenses. This area of case law allows for increased exposure for employers and insurance companies to have to pay attorney fees based on unpaid medical expenses.

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bleakley, Cypher, Parent, Warren & Quinn, P.C., provideds expert representation for clients throughout the state of  Michigan. Our experienced lawyers recognize the need to defend and limit arguments by the plaintiff's bar that attorney fees are due and owing from employers or their insurance company when medical expenses are ordered paid, which have been paid by a group health carrier, an automobile no-fault insurance carrier or the medical lien holder.

To discuss defense options aimed at avoiding unjust attorney fees, contact us toll free by calling 866-677-9243.

Defenses to the Payment of Medical Bills and/or Attorney Fees on Unpaid Medical Expenses

• The employee must have paid or have an obligation to pay medical expenses.
• The one or two year back rule may bar payment of the medical expense.
• The medical expense is unreasonable.
• The medical expense in unnecessary.
• The medical expense is unrelated to the occupational injury or illness.
• The medical expense in question can be reduced per the cost containment provisions of the WDCA.

For an attorney fee to be awarded on unpaid medical expenses, the plaintiff's counsel must prove a claim for attorney fees was made to the Magistrate, the medical bills in question were submitted to the employer or its carrier for payment and no reasonable dispute existed in connection with the payment of the medical expenses in question.

Contact Bleakly, Cypher, Parent, Warren & Quinn, P.C.

We believe the defense bar must remain vigilant and innovative in defending the expanding workers' compensation exposure of employers and insurance companies. To put our experience to work on your particular concern, contact us toll free by calling 866-677-9243.