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PDFMichigan Raises No-Fault Wage Loss Rate
For claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents, the maximum available wage loss benefits were recently increased to $5,398 per month for claimants injured in accidents occurring between Oct. 1, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2016.
Generally, wage loss benefits are available under the Michigan No-Fault Act if a claimant can show proof of wages that would have actually been earned but for injuries arising out of the motor vehicle accident, pursuant to MCL 500.3107(1)(b).
If a claimant can meet his or her burden of proof to show entitlement to wage loss, then he or she may claim wage loss in an amount equal to 85 percent of gross monthly income up to the monthly statutory cap. The current cap is roughly equivalent to an annual salary of just over $75,000.
However, it is important to keep in mind that wage loss is limited to taxable income and does not involve calculation of employer provided benefits like health insurance, pensions and other contributions. In addition, wage loss benefits are capped after three years, and claimants seeking wage loss beyond three years or the monthly cap are left to seek excess wage loss from the allegedly at-fault party.
It is also important to note that the monthly maximum in effect on the accident date is not affected by any later legislative changes to the maximum.
The Legal Trend Newsletter is distributed by the firm of Plunkett Cooney. Any questions or comments concerning the matters reported may be addressed to Michael K. Sheehy, Mary Catherine Rentz or any other members of the practice group. The brevity of this newsletter prevents comprehensive treatment of all legal issues, and the information contained herein should not be taken as legal advice. Advice for specific matters should be sought directly from legal counsel. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved PLUNKETT COONEY, P.C.
