When you go to work, the last thing that you expect is to get injured. However, workplace accidents can happen, and they can cause significant physical and emotional harm. If you are in Wisconsin and you have been injured on the job, you may wonder if you can recover damages for your injuries. This article discusses the workers’ compensation laws in Wisconsin and how they can help you recover from workplace injuries.
Table of Contents
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Law
Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation law is designed to protect employees who are injured on the job. It provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. The workers’ compensation system in Wisconsin is a "no-fault" system. This means that it does not matter who was responsible for the accident. As long as you were injured while carrying out your job duties, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Eligibility For Workers’ Compensation Benefits
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Wisconsin, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be an employee of the company where you were injured.
- Your injury occurred as a result of your job duties.
- You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the date of your injury.
- You must file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits within two years of your injury.
Types Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Wisconsin, you may be entitled to the following benefits:
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation will pay for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your workplace injury. This can include doctor visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescription medication, and medical equipment.
Temporary Disability Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working for a certain period, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits provide wage replacement for lost wages due to your inability to work.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury is permanent, and it prevents you from performing your job duties in the future, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. These benefits provide wage replacement for lost wages due to the permanent nature of your injury.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation. This includes job training and job placement services to help you find a new job that meets your physical limitations.
Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Wisconsin, you must first report your injury to your employer. You can do this verbally or in writing. Once you have reported your injury, your employer will provide you with a First Report of Injury form. You must complete this form and return it to your employer.
Your employer will then notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier about your injury. The insurance company will review your claim and determine if you are eligible for benefits.
If the insurance company denies your claim, you can appeal their decision. You should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you with the appeals process.
Conclusion
If you have been injured on the job in Wisconsin, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you recover from your injuries and provide financial assistance while you are unable to work. If you are unsure about the workers’ compensation process or need help filing a claim, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the process.