Michigan Unemployment Misrepresentation and Fraud

Between 2013-2015 the Michigan Unemployment Agency assessed thousands of Michigan workers with claims of fraud pertaining to unemployment benefits. Although the state claims it was doing everything by the book, those who have filed suit against the state of Michigan and Michigan legislators have indicated that the problem with improper adjudications pertaining to unemployment matters started when the state switched over to a new computer system and laid off approximately 400 people in the process. Estimates indicate that approximately 60,000 filed claims during this period should be re-reviewed by in person unemployment adjudicators. A high percentage of the Michigan unemployment fraud cases brought before administrative law judges have been summarily dismissed on multiple grounds.

The law firm of Seth T. Seidell, has specialized in Michigan unemployment matters since 1998, including many cases involving misrepresentation and fraud. Although each case is unique based on its own facts, the Seidell law firm has been highly successful in winning many of those cases. If you believe that you have been mistakenly charged with fraud and/or misrepresentation by the Michigan unemployment agency, and whether or not your appeal period has run out, you may still be entitled to a review of your claim by a state administrative law judge or otherwise.   

2015 Firm Highlights

The following summarizes cases and/or legal matters handled by the Seidell Law firm for the year 2015. This list in non-exhaustive and does not represent all legal matters handled by the firm.

  • Represented and resolved multiple wrongful discharge cases on behalf of employees
  • Represented and resolved multiple employment related matters on behalf of employers
  • Resolved several unemployment fraud cases with favorable rulings to the employee
  • Resolved several administrative individual licensing matters before state government agencies
  • Drafted and/or reviewed multiple corporate employee handbooks, forms, policies and procedures
  • Handled multiple buy/sell transactions on behalf of the seller or buyer
  • Litigated and settled a breach of contract case between two companies involving failure to pay past due rent
  • Drafted and reviewed  business and employment contracts covering a wide range of industries
  • Represented employees and employers on issues before the EEOC, MDCR and wage and hour
  • Handled multiple federal trademark filings

Michigan Unemployment Hearings-Why Use Legal Counsel?

Why should you seek legal counsel at a Michigan Unemployment administrative hearing? Many times decisions made by the Michigan unemployment agency at the early stages of the claim process (e.g. determination/redetermination) are made incorrectly. Claimant’s wrongfully believe because they are denied unemployment benefits at the claim process stage their chances of winning on appeal are limited so they give up. In addition, the state of Michigan is issuing erroneous decisions in far greater numbers than ever before indicating that employees have committed fraud or misrepresentation. Fraud and misrepresentation cases can carry serious consequences if it is found that fraud or misrepresentation exists, including large penalties, interest, and possibly even leading to becoming a criminal matter.

Lawyer for Unemployment Hearing

The Seidell Law firm has a proven history of successfully representing employers and employees at Michigan unemployment hearings since 1998, including hearings involving misrepresentation and fraud, with over 500 hearings conducted.* (*Success of any case is directly related to all the facts and circumstances). Reasons why employees (claimants) should seek legal counsel for Michigan unemployment hearings, especially those involving fraud or misrepresentation, include:

  • Employees don’t understand the law or burden of proof requirements
  • Employees can’t anticipate issues that will come up
  • Employees aren’t well versed in the process, such as the presentation of relevant evidence, offering of testimony, and cross examining of witnesses

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