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MI
Michigan · workplace

Workplace settlements
in Michigan.

By 6 min read

Michigan applies modified-51 comparative fault and runs the United States' most comprehensive PIP no-fault auto scheme, restructured by PA 21 of 2019 with driver-elected coverage tiers. For workplace claims specifically, the band is built from the state-by-state tort law · jury verdict reporters · statutory caps framework and then adjusted for Michigan's modified comparative — 51% bar and any applicable statutory cap.

Michigan applies modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. A workplace claimant who is 50% at fault still recovers 50% of damages; one assigned 51% recovers nothing. This is slightly more claimant-friendly than the 50% bar applied in some neighbouring states, and it leaves room for negotiation in mixed-liability workplace cases where the comparative-fault split is close to even.

Workplace injuries in Michigan run on a parallel track to general tort recovery: workers' compensation is the primary remedy against the employer, with third-party tort claims (against a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or non-employer driver) layered on top. Michigan's caps (medical malpractice non-economic cap) apply to the third-party tort track only, and the workers' compensation insurer typically holds a subrogation right against any tort recovery.

band · US federal frame
Scheduled statutory benefits — no pain-and-suffering award
Workplace injury (workers compensation)
State workers-compensation schedules; value tracks the impairment rating, the wage rate and future medical, and most claims close by compromise-and-release rather than verdict.

The US band is the starting point. Michigan's fault rule and any applicable cap then adjust the figure.

MI · statute of limitations
3 years from date of injury

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805

MI · fault rule
Modified comparative — 51% bar

Modified comparative — recovery barred at 51% claimant fault.

MI · caps

What caps recovery.

Statutory caps that may bear on a workplace settlement in Michigan.

workplace · same region & fault regime

Compare to like jurisdictions.

How Michigan's fault rule and limitation period compare to jurisdictions in the same US region and to those running the same fault rule for workplace claims.

JurisdictionFault ruleLimitationWorkplace page
Michigan · you are hereModified comparative — 51% bar3 years from date of injury
MinnesotaModified comparative — 51% bar6 years for personal injury (uncommonly long); 4 years for medical malpracticeMN · workplace
MissouriPure comparative negligence5 years for personal injury; 2 years for medical malpracticeMO · workplace
NebraskaModified comparative — 50% bar4 years for personal injury; 2 years for medical malpracticeNE · workplace
North DakotaModified comparative — 50% bar6 years for personal injury; 2 years for medical malpracticeND · workplace
OhioModified comparative — 51% bar2 years from date of injuryOH · workplace
South DakotaPure comparative negligence3 years from date of injurySD · workplace
MontanaModified comparative — 51% bar3 years from date of injuryMT · workplace
NevadaModified comparative — 51% bar2 years for personal injury; 3 years for medical malpracticeNV · workplace
New HampshireModified comparative — 51% bar3 years from date of injuryNH · workplace
New JerseyModified comparative — 51% bar2 years from date of injuryNJ · workplace
MississippiPure comparative negligence3 years from date of injuryMS · workplace
New MexicoPure comparative negligence3 years from date of injuryNM · workplace
MI · workplace · frequently asked

Common questions.

Each answer is independently coherent and references the relevant statute or authority document.

editorial note

Figures on this page are starting points: the US band adjusted for Michigan's statutory framework. They are not quotes for any specific case. For representation, consult an attorney admitted in Michigan. See /methodology, /sources, and /disclaimer.