If you are injured on the job, you face a lot of uncertainty. The severity of your injury can hinder or make future work impossible. You can also become ill from your working conditions which will complicate your health and job. Depending on the situation, workers’ compensation claims can be tricky. Unfortunately, insurance companies and even your employer can try to give you minimum compensation or no compensation at all. This is why you need an experienced and dedicated lawyer on your side to get you the help and compensation you deserve.
Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Laws
If you are injured at work, you have 45 days after the accident occurs or the injury or illness became known to file your claim. You are entitled to compensation for any injuries caused by workplace accidents or by an employee. Whether or not the injury was your fault or not, you will be granted compensation. However, if you injure yourself, go against work policies or were acting irresponsibly, you will not be compensated. Also, if you were injured outside of work, working while intoxicated, or committing a crime, you will not be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Below are the types of injuries that a covered by workers’ compensation:
- Arm and shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Back injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Traumatic injuries caused by workplace accidents such as burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and amputations
- Occupational diseases
- Pre-existing condition aggravation
- Factory injuries caused by accidents such as malfunctioning equipment, explosions, fires, falling objects, tripping hazards and exposure to toxic substances
- Vehicle accidents on the job
Employer’s Responsibilities
Wisconsin law requires all employers to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Employers must also post notices in the workplace that inform workers about their rights to receive workers’ compensation.
Employers must report all on-the-job injuries that cause an employee to miss at least four days of work to the Department of Workforce Development. Also, employers are prohibited from retaliating or discriminating against employees who file workers’ compensation claims in any way. This includes things like firing, demoting or refusing to rehire a worker who has reported a workplace injury.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is Your Best Option
Even with a straightforward worker’s compensation case, there can be difficulties between working with your employer and the insurance company. While worker’s compensation will cover the costs of your injuries along with additional compensation, depending on the circumstances, difficulties with receiving compensation can arise.
If your employer believes that your injury was not caused at work or you were violating policies when you were injured, they can object to your workers’ compensation claim. This especially is where it is beneficial to have an experienced lawyer on your side. In this case, you will have a hearing held before an Administrative Law Judge. The judge will work to understand all of the facts of the case between testimonies and doctor’s reports among other relevant information. By having a qualified lawyer on your side, you will be able to present your defense as effectively and accurately as you can to receive the compensation you deserve.
Hire Phil Dahlberg for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
At Dahlberg Law Group, Phil Dahlberg has over 20 years of experience in personal injury cases. Our firm has obtained a total of over $25 million in workers’ compensation benefits for our clients. By hiring Phil, you can be confident that you will have the best representation and counsel in Wisconsin.
In need of a workers’ compensation attorney? Contact our Phil here to set up a consultation today.
