I was fired for a charting error. What are my chances to collect unemployment in Michigan?

by Ryan

(Detroit,MI)

Hi, My name is Ryan I am 34….I have been working at a hospital in Detroit for 11 years and was terminated due to a charting error…..the time I charted on the patients chart was not the exact time but 15 minutes off from the time on the clock and when my boss was doing chart audits….she found this and called me in the office where she promptly suspended me and firing me the next day….I have no prior write ups or verbal warnings prior to the incident and I said I was sorry and would make sure it wouldn’t happen again and I explained how i relied on the patients clock and not my own…..I was denied unemployment 2 times already now i have a court hearing…On the paper my boss submitted to the unemployment office it stated “misconduct” and on the corrective action (firing) it says inappropriate behavior…I know hospitals hate paying out unemployment and are quick to fire for no or not really a real reason…I know others who were fired and obviously denied also…when i go to court what is my best argument…..I also suffer from bad headaches and could possibly have health problems do i bring this up also?
I don’t know what to do or say…..Can you please help me with any advice you can give me? Feel free to email me at ….I am having a hard time getting a job due to owing fines 350 on my licsence therefore when people check my licsence they do not hire me because as it stands I don’t have one until I pay my fines and I’m on the verge of being without electricity and a home now….It has been over 3 months without a job or income what is my next step? What do i say in court? Do i need to hire a lawyer or will they appoint one? I am also without a phone…..What should be my next step?

Ryan

Hi Ryan,

Do you mean you are about to attend the lower level appeal hearing?

Michigan is one of those states that issues a determination .. a redetermination and then schedules a hearing.

Since time is short and because Michigan is also one of the few states that actually has an advocacy program .. I’m going to direct you to the page that tells you what you have to do to get a representative for your hearing.

Michigan’s UIA Unemployed Worker Advocacy Program.

The first thing you should do tomorrow morning is find a phone to use and call the number on that page. If there is going to be a delay in finding an advocate to help you .. do not go to the hearing alone, rather check you hearing notice for instructions on how to request a postponement. I’m not sure how Michigan treats claimants, but it use to be standard operating procedure for the ALJ to deny all employer’s request. Then you can make the request to the Board of Review and they normally will issue a stay. The reason you need the postponement would be to obtain counsel through the advocacy program.

DO NOT just not go to the hearing. You do not want an additional issue of non-appearance to have to explain later on.

Ryan, I edited you email out .. you don’t want your email address on a published web page:)

Any questions .. just let me know by posting a comment to this page.

Chris