Workman's compensation in Michigan?

My husband has been having shoulder pain. Initially a doctor said it was probably arthritis. However, the pain continued and he went and had an MRI. The MRI revealed a torn rotator cuff with one of the tendons separating from his shoulder (ouch). The doctor suggested surgery within 6 months. He had not talked to his company about workman's compensation at this point, as he thought it was arthritis. The next day he was terminated from his job. He still needs to have the surgery, especially if he wants to get another job, however, he cannot collect unemployment during the time he would have surgery and would be recovering from surgery. We cannot financially go without income for 3 months (surgery and recovery time). Can he get workman's compensation without having a job? What other options are there?