Worker's compensation: other; procedure for claims referred to the small claims division of the worker's compensation agency; modify. Amends sec. 841 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.841). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5181'25

HB 5189 modifies Michigan's worker's compensation process for small claims. It specifies that claims under $2,000 for medical benefits only, or for a definite work period with the employee returned to work, may be referred to a small claims division. The bill prohibits attorneys in these small claims cases (requiring removal to standard hearings if attorneys are involved) and makes magistrate decisions final without appeal, except for fraud. This directly affects workers filing small compensation claims and insurance carriers handling those cases.