Michigan PIP Benefits Lawyer
Having Trouble Getting Your Michigan No-Fault Benefits?
After a serious motor vehicle accident, you expect your automobile insurance to help pay for the benefits promised under your policy and Michigan's No-Fault law.
Unfortunately, many people discover that obtaining those benefits is not always easy.
Medical bills may go unpaid. Wage-loss benefits may be delayed. Attendant care may be questioned. Insurance adjusters may request additional records, independent medical examinations, or repeated documentation before making decisions.
At Hanley & Hodek PLC, we help injured people throughout Michigan understand their rights and resolve disputes involving Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
If your benefits have been delayed, reduced, or denied—or if you simply have questions about what your policy covers—we are here to help.
Free Consultation
Questions about No-Fault benefits?
Contact Hanley & Hodek PLC today for a free consultation.
We'll review your situation, explain your options, and help you determine the best path forward.
What Are PIP Benefits?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits are part of Michigan's No-Fault insurance system.
Depending on your policy, the facts of the accident, and applicable law, PIP benefits may include payment for certain expenses and losses resulting from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
Common PIP benefits may include:
Medical expenses
Wage-loss benefits
Replacement services
Attendant care
Mileage reimbursement for medical treatment, when appropriate
Certain survivor's loss benefits in qualifying situations
Every claim is different, and the benefits available depend on the applicable policy and Michigan law.
Common PIP Problems
Many of the clients who contact our office are not sure why their benefits have changed.
Common issues include:
Medical bills are no longer being paid.
Physical therapy has been denied.
Surgery has been questioned.
Wage-loss checks stopped.
Attendant care hours were reduced.
Replacement services were discontinued.
Mileage reimbursement has not been paid.
The insurance company says additional records are needed.
An independent medical examination has been requested.
The adjuster is no longer responding.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it is important to understand why the insurer made its decision before assuming the matter cannot be resolved.
Medical Bills
One of the most stressful issues after an accident is discovering that healthcare providers have stopped receiving payment.
When medical bills go unpaid, injured people may begin receiving:
Collection notices
Hospital invoices
Physical therapy bills
Imaging charges
Prescription expenses
Specialist invoices
Understanding whether treatment is covered and why payment has stopped often requires reviewing both the insurance policy and the insurer's explanation.
Our attorneys regularly help clients evaluate disputes involving unpaid medical expenses.
Wage-Loss Benefits
A serious injury may prevent you from returning to work for weeks or months.
When that happens, wage-loss benefits may be available under Michigan's No-Fault system if the legal requirements are met.
Insurance companies may request documentation regarding:
Employment history
Earnings
Medical restrictions
Disability status
Return-to-work plans
Disputes frequently arise when insurers question whether an injured person remains unable to work because of the accident.
Replacement Services
Some injuries make it impossible to perform everyday household tasks.
Replacement services may be available for certain ordinary activities you would have performed yourself if you had not been injured.
Examples may include:
Housekeeping
Laundry
Meal preparation
Yard work
Snow removal
Transportation for essential errands
Whether replacement services are available depends on the applicable law and the facts of the claim.
Attendant Care Benefits
After a serious injury, some individuals require assistance with daily activities such as:
Bathing
Dressing
Mobility
Medication reminders
Meal preparation
Personal hygiene
Depending on the circumstances, attendant care benefits may be available through No-Fault insurance.
Insurance companies sometimes dispute:
Whether attendant care is medically necessary
The number of hours required
Who may provide the care
The appropriate rate of reimbursement
These disputes often require careful review of medical records and supporting documentation.
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
Insurance companies may request that an injured person attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
The physician performing the examination is typically selected by the insurance company.
The purpose of the examination is generally to evaluate issues related to the claimed injuries and benefits.
Because IMEs can affect ongoing benefits, it is important to understand:
Why the examination has been requested
What issues are being evaluated
What records may be reviewed
How the examination may affect your claim
If you receive notice of an IME, do not ignore it. If you have questions, an attorney can explain the process and your responsibilities.
Can the Insurance Company Stop Paying My Benefits?
Insurance companies may change or discontinue benefits for a variety of reasons.
Examples include:
A physician concludes additional treatment is unnecessary.
An IME report disputes ongoing disability.
Requested documentation has not been received.
Questions arise regarding causation.
The insurer believes policy conditions have not been met.
Whether those decisions are supported by the facts and applicable law depends on each individual case.
A reduction or denial of benefits does not necessarily mean the decision is correct.
How We Help
Our attorneys carefully review:
Your insurance policy
Medical records
Denial letters
Benefit payment history
Correspondence with the insurer
Medical provider documentation
Applicable Michigan No-Fault law
Depending on the circumstances, we may communicate with the insurance company, gather additional evidence, negotiate a resolution, or pursue litigation when appropriate.
Our goal is to help clients understand and protect the benefits available to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PIP stand for?
PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection, a component of Michigan's No-Fault automobile insurance system.
Does PIP pay every medical bill?
Coverage depends on the applicable policy, the treatment provided, and Michigan law. Questions about medical necessity and coverage sometimes lead to disputes.
Can my wage-loss benefits stop?
They can change depending on the facts, medical evidence, and other legal considerations. If benefits stop unexpectedly, it is important to understand why.
Do I have to attend an Independent Medical Examination?
If your insurance company properly requests an IME under the policy or applicable law, failing to attend may affect your claim. If you have concerns, speak with an attorney promptly.
What if my insurance company keeps asking for more paperwork?
Insurers often request additional information while evaluating claims. If repeated requests or delays prevent benefits from being paid, an attorney can help review the situation and explain your options.
Related Resources
You may also find these articles helpful:
Can PIP Insurance Deny a Medical Bill Without Pre-Approving Treatment?
The Biggest Myth About Michigan No-Fault Insurance
Will Insurance Take Care of Everything After a Car Accident?
What to Do When an Insurance Company Stops Returning Your Calls
Michigan Insurance Claim Denial Lawyer
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If your Michigan No-Fault benefits have been delayed, reduced, or denied, you do not have to navigate the insurance process on your own.
Contact Hanley & Hodek PLC today for a free consultation.
We'll review your claim, explain your rights, and help you understand the benefits that may be available under your policy and Michigan law.
Free consultation. We'll help you determine the next steps with confidence.