MICHIGAN AUTO NO-FAULT
Even
mega insurance companies with billions of dollars need to closely monitor
insurance claim costs. Case management services performed by a claims
adjuster is an expensive operational cost for motor vehicle insurance carriers
in Michigan. Through close case
management by Independent Support & Supervision Services, LLC (IS&SS) an auto
insurance company can significantly decrease case management costs without
compromising quality service delivery.
Independent Support & Supervision
Services, LLC was founded by Christina Tilney, LMSW in response to a
community need for counseling, coaching, and supervision services to adults
whose lives are impacted by disability as a result of an automobile
accident.
IS&SS is committed to the provision of services
that promote independence. By
supporting and guiding adults new to an emotional, physical, or cognitive
disability as a result of an automobile accident, ISS offers tailor made services
that includes coping strategies that assist individuals achieve a new life
after disability.
Christina Tilney, LMSW has over ten year’s experience in person
centered planning, program design and development, supervising social work
professionals, support group facilitation, and consumer systems advocacy.
Prior to forming Independent Support & Supervision Services, LLC Christina
spent eleven years in the independent living services department at Disability
Advocates of Kent County.
Christina provides a person first, achievable, and affordable plan
development that reflects the goals and objectives identified by the
client. Utilizing budget specific, strength based social work practice
and a self-directed approach between goal identification and goal achievement,
she creates an environment in which clients can discover, explore, and realize
their dreams. She is a licensed Master's level social worker (Michigan License
#6801083247), and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
As a person with a disability, Christina applies three main principles
of her practice to her work: focus on what can be done (goal identification)
focus on how it can be done (goal objectives), and focus on what happens next
(goal achievement). Christina relies on her active listening skills and assessment
experience to build relationships in a respectful, helpful manner.
In October 1973, the Michigan
No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act (MCL 500.3101, et seq) (“The Act”) went into
effect . In Michigan every motor vehicle accident resulting in personal injury
or death, there is a potential for two different claims. First is a potential claim for Personal
Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to recover an economic loss. Second is a
potential claim to recover non-economic damages. Only PIP benefits under The Act will be described,
here. To recover non-economic
damages, it is best to retain legal counsel.
Usually, PIP benefits are paid
by the victim’s own insurance company and are always paid regardless of who is at
fault for the accident. A claim for PIP benefits filed by the drivers,
occupants, pedestrians, cyclists, and bystanders involved in the accident.
There are four types of PIP
Benefits. First, an injured person
is entitled to “allowable expenses” or according to Section 3107(1)(a) “all
reasonable charges incurred for reasonably necessary products, services and
accommodations for an injured person’s care, recovery or rehabilitation.” An example of these expenses is
medical/hospital expenses, in-home nursing or attendant care, residential
accommodations, medical transportation expenses, etc.
Second, is work loss expenses,
payable for up to a maximum of three years from the date of the accident. The work loss benefit is defined as “loss
of income from work an injured person would have performed during the first 3
years after the date of the accident if he or she had not been injured .” Work
loss benefits are payable at the rate of 85% of gross pay, including overtime.
Third is reimbursement for
domestic services incurred by the injured person (also known as “chore
services) for certain chores that would have been performed by the injured
person. The expense for chore
services is defined as “reasonably incurred in obtaining ordinary and necessary
services in lieu of those that, if he or she had not been injured, an injured
person would have performed during the first 3 years after the date of the
accident, not for income but for the benefit of himself or herself or of his or
her dependent.” Chore service
expenses cannot exceed $20 per day and are only payable for three years
following the date of the accident