Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.2026-08-28T16:00:18Zhttps://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504695/2022/03/cropped-favicon-new-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Can your employer refuse to file a worker’s comp claim?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2560052026-08-28T15:26:45Z2026-08-28T16:00:18ZWhen an injury happens at work, you want to do everything right – so you make sure you report the incident to your employer right away.
What happens, however, if your employer doesn’t want to report your claim? Maybe they try to talk you into using your medical insurance to handle your care, or maybe they say the injury isn’t “serious enough” to warrant a claim. Can they really stop your claim from moving forward?
Your employer doesn’t call the shots
In Wisconsin, an employer generally does not have the authority to prevent an eligible employee from pursuing worker’s compensation benefits. The employer is responsible for reporting the injury to its worker’s compensation insurance carrier or claims administrator. They can disagree with the validity of your claim all they want – but they do not have the authority to decide your claim. The insurance carrier – not your employer – determines whether benefits should be paid.An employer who purposefully fails to report an injury can face penalties of up to 200% of the compensation due, up to a max of $30,000. An employer may also face a 10% penalty, which must be paid to the injured worker, if a reporting delay caused the worker to receive their benefits late.
Don’t wait for your employer to act
Typically, Wisconsin workers have 30 days to report an injury, but acting sooner is wise. That makes it harder for an insurer to question the connection between the incident and your injuries. If your employer is dragging their feet and you want the claim to move forward:
Notify your employer in writing, even if you already reported the injury verbally.
Include when, where and how the injury happened.
Identify any witnesses who saw the accident or knew about the injury.
Seek necessary medical attention and tell the provider that the injury is work-related.
Keep copies of medical records, work restrictions and communications with your employer.
Ask for the name and contact information of the workers’ compensation insurer.
Contact the insurer directly to report the injury.
If you’re still encountering resistance with your worker's comp claim, it may be time to seek additional legal guidance. A worker’s compensation attorney can help you document what happened, identify the appropriate insurer and take the necessary steps to pursue the benefits you may be entitled to receive.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Attorney Peter J. Carman Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America® 2027]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559922026-08-20T17:30:28Z2026-08-20T14:40:05Z[nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] is proud to share that Attorney Peter J. Carman has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 for his work in Litigation - Insurance. This marks another year of recognition for Peter, who has been included in Best Lawyers since 2024.
This continued recognition reflects the depth of Peter’s legal experience, his professional reputation, and his ongoing commitment to representing injured people throughout Wisconsin with focus, preparation, and personal attention. For clients facing the aftermath of a serious accident, workplace injury, or insurance-related dispute, having an attorney who understands how claims are evaluated and defended can make a meaningful difference.
Recognized For Experience In Litigation - Insurance
Best Lawyers recognition is based on peer review, making it a notable professional acknowledgment within the legal community. Peter’s recognition in Litigation - Insurance is especially fitting given the depth and range of his litigation background.
Before dedicating his practice to helping injured individuals, Peter gained extensive experience in insurance defense, including matters involving general liability and workers’ compensation. That background gives him a practical understanding of how insurance companies evaluate claims, defend cases, and approach settlement negotiations. Today, he uses that perspective to help injured clients pursue the compensation they deserve after car accidents, workplace injuries, and other serious incidents.
Peter is also an experienced civil litigator with first-chair trial and hearing experience. His approach is built on careful preparation, strong communication, and close attention to the details that can shape the outcome of a case. From the first consultation, he takes time to understand each client’s unique circumstances so that important facts are not overlooked.
His professional recognition reflects that commitment. In addition to being recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024, Peter has received honors including Wisconsin Super Lawyers recognition, an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Lead Counsel ratings in all practice areas by Thomson Reuters, and designations from The National Trial Lawyers.
Personal Attention In Every Case
At [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] ., clients work directly with Attorney Carman from the beginning of their case through resolution. Peter intentionally keeps his caseload limited so he can remain accessible, responsive, and fully familiar with the details of each client’s matter.
This approach allows clients to receive guidance from the attorney handling their case, not just updates passed along through layers of staff. Peter understands that every injury claim represents a real person dealing with pain, uncertainty, and disruption. His goal is to provide clear communication, practical advice and steady advocacy through each stage of the legal process.
Schedule A Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident, workplace accident, or another negligence-related incident, [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] is here to help.
Call [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. From your first conversation through the resolution of your case, you can expect direct communication, personalized guidance, and an attorney committed to helping you move forward.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[How often do truck drivers fall asleep at the wheel?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559792026-08-17T12:28:24Z2026-08-20T13:00:02ZLong shifts cause drowsiness
Many truck drivers are on the road for 10 hours or more per day. Companies may schedule them for the maximum amount of drive time possible for optimal operational efficiency. Unfortunately, this approach to scheduling means that commercial drivers must constantly battle their own internal clocks, which may tell them it is time to rest.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that roughly 12% of all semi-truck collisions where the commercial vehicle is at fault occur due to non-performance. Some of those collisions occur due to medical emergencies, but many of them involve fatigue-related involuntary sleep.
Many drivers may also experience microsleeps, where they doze off for a few seconds but do not cause a crash. Fatigued driving is a more serious safety issue than many people realize, and it is especially dangerous for those operating large commercial trucks.
Holding a truck driver or their employer responsible for long shifts that create unsafe circumstances may require a lawsuit after a commercial truck crash. People who understand the underlying cause of a collision that caused them harm are generally in the best possible position to take legal action after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Quickly preserving black box data after a truck accident is wise]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559782026-07-30T12:34:49Z2026-08-07T13:00:44Zblack box preservation may help protect evidence that could be important when investigating truck accidents.
1. Black box data may be lost otherwise
A truck's black box continuously records operational information, but it does not store data forever. Depending on the system, older information may be overwritten as new data is recorded. If the vehicle returns to service before the information is preserved, important evidence from the crash may no longer be available. Prompt action may help preserve details that could later assist investigators in understanding how the collision occurred.
2. The data can help explain what happened
The black box may record information that is difficult to determine from the crash scene alone. Depending on the truck and recording system, this may include:
Vehicle speed
Braking activity
Engine performance
Driving time
Sudden changes in operation
This information can be compared with driver logs, maintenance records and other evidence to develop a clearer picture of the events leading to the collision. It may also help identify whether driver fatigue, speeding or mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
3. Other electronic records may also need to be preserved
In addition to the black box, trucking companies may maintain electronic dispatch records, vehicle tracking information and maintenance data. Preserving these records early may provide additional context about the truck's operation, inspection history and the driver's activities before the collision.
Because electronic evidence can be altered, deleted or overwritten, black box preservation is often only one part of protecting important information after truck accidents.
Taking prompt steps to preserve electronic records can make a meaningful difference during an investigation. If you have been injured in a truck accident, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights and preserve important evidence.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Teen summer camp counselors and Worker’s comp: What to know ]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559252026-08-10T15:24:23Z2026-07-30T13:00:54ZFor a teen, there are few summer jobs better than being a camp counselor or counselor-in-training (CIT) at one of Wisconsin’s many summer camps. Some work at “sleep-away” camps, while others stick closer to home at day camps.
These jobs do more than give young people a chance to be outside and stay active. They give them supervisory and teaching experience they can use later – especially if they plan to become a teacher, child psychologist or some other child-related job. Many camps now are designed for specific purposes – for example, for teaching music or STEM or for kids with disabilities or other special needs.
Common causes of counselor injuries
Reputable camps take numerous safety measures designed to protect their attendees, counselors and other employees. They take their safety training seriously. Nonetheless, camp counselors and CITs can still be injured. Among the most common causes of counselor injuries are:
Tripping/slipping hazards
Inappropriate footwear
Lack of protective gear
Poorly maintained equipment
Horseplay
No one wants their teen’s summer (and their chance to build up their savings) ruined by a serious injury. However, it’s important to know that if they are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment, they may qualify for Worker’s compensation benefits.
Understanding the law and minors’ rights
Under Wisconsin law, being a minor doesn’t disqualify someone from getting Worker’s comp benefits. In fact, if an employer has violated the laws regarding what kinds of jobs minors can do or what kind of permit is required, an injured minor may be entitled to two or even three times the compensation they would otherwise get. Summer camp generally comes with scrapes, bruises, bites and sunburns for most kids and their slightly older teen counselors. However, if a teen suffers a more serious injury, it’s crucial that they and their parents know their rights under the law. Employers all too often provide inaccurate information to young (and adult) Worker’s – whether intentionally or not. For example, while a worker injured during “horseplay” is generally not entitled to Worker’s comp, that typically doesn’t apply when someone’s job requires it – as long as they weren’t engaged in something dangerous. If your teen faces a challenge getting the Worker’s comp benefits to which they’re entitled for this or any reason, reaching out for experienced legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Serious injuries can diminish future earning potential]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559482026-07-28T13:11:00Z2026-07-28T13:15:16ZLasting functional limitations
Frequently, lost earning potential stems from the impact of the injuries on a worker's job performance. If they lose strength or range of motion due to serious fractures, they may not be able to continue in a blue-collar profession. Injuries that affect cognitive and physical capabilities can also affect service professionals and even white-collar workers.
Missed time at work
Missing weeks of work to undergo rehabilitative care and needing leave to attend regular medical appointments to treat ongoing symptoms can affect future earning capacity. Employers may consider lengthy absences and frequent medical appointments when deciding who to promote or how much of a raise to offer a professional. The company shouldn’t consider the medical condition itself when making decisions, but the business can review the impact the condition has on job performance.
Determining how injuries may affect future earning potential can help professionals request adequate compensation to offset that loss of income. The assistance of a personal injury attorney can help people with severe injuries calculate their current and likely future losses when requesting damages from the party at fault.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[What is a third-party Worker’s comp claim?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559272026-08-10T15:25:42Z2026-07-25T13:00:31ZA third-party claim is an attempt to pursue compensation from another individual or company, outside of the company where the employee works. This can sometimes be used in conjunction with a traditional Worker’s comp claim.
For instance, say that a worker is injured by defective equipment on the job. Because they were working at the time of their injury, they may be able to start a Worker’s comp claim to seek compensation for medical bills and a portion of their lost wages from their own employer. The employer has Worker’s comp insurance that can help cover these costs.But because the equipment was defective, that employee may also consider product liability laws and their options to sue the company that made the defective equipment. Perhaps there was a design defect or a manufacturing defect that means the company that made the equipment is also responsible for those injuries.
How does this affect an employer?
It depends on the specifics of the case, but there are situations in which an employer may also be able to benefit from a third-party claim. The employer may have the option to recover money that was paid out under the Worker’s comp claim if it is demonstrated that the third party was actually responsible.This does mean that a third-party case can become more complex. Many workers are simply looking into their short-term options to seek compensation for wages that they are actively missing or outstanding medical bills. But by looking at long-term solutions and considering all parties that may be responsible for the injury, they may actually be able to get a greater level of overall compensation.During these complicated cases, it can be helpful to work with an experienced Worker’s comp attorney.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[When do new employees become eligible for Worker’s compensation?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559642026-08-10T15:26:45Z2026-07-21T13:00:34ZProtection generally begins on day one
There is no vesting period for Wisconsin worker’s compensation coverage. Employees typically qualify from the very first moment they are on the clock with their employers.
If a worker makes a machinery mistake the first time they handle heavy equipment or trips on their first day and sustains a fracture, worker’s compensation can provide them with medical coverage and possibly disability benefits if necessary. Even if a worker’s lack of experience or mistake caused their injuries, they could be eligible for benefits. worker’s compensation provides no-fault protection regardless of who is technically to blame for the incident.
Reporting an incident to management and learning more about worker’s compensation claims can help new hires hurt shortly after they start their jobs. Even trainees and part-time workers are – usually – technically eligible for worker’s compensation.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[When does worker’s compensation coverage take effect?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559502026-08-10T15:27:36Z2026-07-15T13:00:07ZCoverage begins on day one
Professionals can get hurt the very first day they start a new job. A lack of familiarity with company protocols or specialized equipment might actually increase their risk of getting hurt while they are still training.
Thankfully, there is no vesting period for worker’s compensation coverage. Employers generally have an obligation to carry coverage if they have even a single employee, although they can potentially defer acquiring coverage if they have fewer than three workers.
Every worker at a company with current coverage is potentially eligible for benefits for any injuries incurred while performing job tasks or medical conditions they develop due to their employment. Brand-new employees who just started their jobs have the same basic coverage and benefits as workers who have been with the company for years.
New hires recovering from on-the-job incidents may feel anxious about reporting what happened and filing a claim for benefits. Discussing their situation with a worker’s compensation attorney can help injured employees follow the right procedures to claim benefits and protect their new jobs regardless.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Understanding jackknife accidents]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559492026-07-07T19:43:51Z2026-07-07T07:45:19ZLarge commercial trucks play an important role in keeping goods moving across the country every day. While most trips end safely, accidents involving tractor-trailers can have serious consequences when something goes wrong.
Because of their size and weight, trucks respond differently than passenger vehicles in emergency situations. Certain types of crashes are especially dangerous and can affect multiple vehicles at once.
Why jackknife crashes can be so dangerous
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck with an attached trailer swings outward and forms a 90-degree angle or a “V” shape with the cab, resembling a folding pocketknife. Once a truck begins to jackknife, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, creating a hazard that can block several lanes of traffic at once and involve numerous motorists.Several factors can contribute to a jackknife accident. Sudden braking is one of the most common causes, particularly when roads are wet, icy or otherwise slippery. Improperly loaded cargo, excessive speed and driver error can also increase the risk. When the trailer loses traction while the cab continues moving, the trailer may swing sideways and create a dangerous situation in a matter of seconds.These crashes are often severe because of the sheer size and force involved. A jackknifing truck can strike nearby vehicles, force drivers off the road or trigger chain-reaction collisions. Occupants of smaller passenger vehicles are especially vulnerable to serious injuries due to the significant difference in size and weight between a commercial truck and a car. In some cases, a jackknife accident may also lead to cargo spills, roadway closures and extensive property damage.If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it may be helpful to learn more about your legal options. Speaking with a knowledgeable legal professional can provide guidance, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps available to you.]]>
