Workers' disability compensation was established in 1912 by the Michigan Legislature as an employee benefit providing medical benefits and rehabilitation to employees who suffer injuries arising out of and in the course of employment. Michigan has a no-fault workers' compensation system; for work-related injuries, benefits are provided without regard to whose fault the injury is.

An employee injured on the job is entitled to all reasonable and necessary medical care. This includes chiropractic treatment, medical, surgical, and hospital services, dental services, orthopedic devices and appliances as prescribed by the treating physician, hearing apparatus, and nursing care. The responsibility to provide medical care continues indefinitely so long as the need for the care is related to the work-related injury.

The Ten Day Rule:  During the first 10 days of treatment, the employer has the right to choose the doctor. Unless given permission by the employer, an employee may not go to a doctor of their own choosing during the first 10 days.  After 10 days, the employee has the right to see the provider of their choice. However, this requires giving notice to the employer of the provider's name and the injured worker's intention to treat with the provider.