If a person is hurt at work, he or she may be entitled to worker’s compensation. There is helpful information available about the worker’s compensation process in Wisconsin.
Worker’s compensation overview
The worker’s compensation program is in place to provide payments for reasonable medical expenses and lost wages because of a work-related injury or disability. Coverage begins on an employee’s first day of work. The worker does not have to work for an employer for a certain period of time to be eligible.
The worker is responsible for notifying his or her employer of the injury and seeking medical attention. Then, the employer will report it to its insurance carrier who will pay the worker if it finds that all of the requirements have been met. In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, the worker may be entitled to temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation and retraining, if applicable.
Once a physician has cleared the individual to return to work, the worker may need to set up a return-to-work plan with his or her employer. This may include ensuring the employer is aware of the extent of the injury and the limitations it places on the worker, reasonable accommodations that may be required and communicating regularly when there are updates.
Claim denial
If the worker’s claim is denied, he or she may attend a formal hearing or participate in an alternative dispute resolution process to address it. The worker will likely be required to provide medical records to support the claim.
If a worker needs assistance with a workers’ compensation claim or representation if the claim is denied, an experienced attorney can help.