Workers’ compensation provides financial and medical support if you get hurt on the job. In Wisconsin, state law ensures you receive benefits without proving fault. Understanding what’s covered helps you plan your recovery and financial stability.
Medical expenses and treatment
Workers’ comp covers all reasonable medical expenses related to your injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and physical therapy. You can also get reimbursed for travel costs (typically mileage reimbursed at $.51/mile round trip) for all such care and if you need to see a specialist or attend therapy sessions.
Wage loss benefits
If your injury keeps you from working, you can receive wage loss benefits. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you can’t work at all. If you can work with restrictions but earn less, you may qualify for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD), which covers part of the wage difference.
Permanent disability benefits
If your injury results in long-term damage, you may receive Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD). PPD applies when you can work but have lasting impairments. PTD provides ongoing payments at the TTD rate if you can’t return to any type of work due to your injury.
Vocational rehabilitation
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. This includes job retraining, career counseling, and education programs (usually in the form off a technical college degree program) to help you find suitable employment.
Death benefits for dependents
If a workplace injury results in death, workers’ comp provides benefits to dependents. These payments help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to surviving family members. Wisconsin law determines the amount based on the worker’s wages and the number of dependents.
Know your rights under Wisconsin law
Wisconsin law ensures you receive these benefits without proving employer negligence. Understanding your rights can help you recover while maintaining financial stability.