Workers Compensation

If you have been injured on the job, you probably are entitled to worker's compensation benefits.

When you are injured at work, you should immediately report your injury to your supervisor. If you don't report your injury immediately, your employer may question whether you really were hurt at work. This will delay payment of your benefits. Sometimes, when there has been a delay in reporting an injury, employers are able to avoid paying any benefits at all.

Once you have reported your injury, Wisconsin law requires your employer to complete the paperwork necessary to send your claim to the worker's compensation insurance company. When the insurance company receives this paperwork, the company must investigate your claim and begin paying appropriate benefits within 30 days. In the course of its investigation the insurance company may call you to ask about your condition, talk with your doctor, and ask to review your medical records.

Under Wisconsin law, people injured on the job may be entitled to the following benefits:

• Payment of all medical bills related to the treatment of work injury.
• Payment for medication expenses.
• If you are unable to work for more than 3 days following your injury, payment of temporary disability benefits for the time you are unable to work. While you are recovering from your injuries, temporary disability benefits will amount to approximately 2/3 of your normal wage.
• Temporary partial disability benefits for any period when you are able to go back to work, but not on a full-time basis. These are a proportionate percentage of the temporary disability benefit.
• Reimbursement for your mileage to and from treatment appointments.
• Compensation, according to the formula set out in the Wisconsin Administrative Code and Statutes, for any permanent disability identified by your doctor.
• Other benefits also may be available.