Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system recently saw one of its most significant updates in years. Wisconsin Act 145, which became effective on April 1, 2026, makes several changes that may affect your claim. The right attorney guides you through the workers’ comp system and knows these changes to ensure your rights are best protected.
The Wisconsin workers’ compensation lawyers at Axis Legal, LLC are ready to help you. We keep up-to-date on legal changes so you get the best representation possible.
Higher Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Rates
One of the more noticeable changes are the increases to permanent partial disability benefits. These help compensate workers for injuries that last well after their initial injury.
Under the new law:
- For injuries on or after April 1, 2026, the maximum weekly PPD rate increases to $454.
- For injuries on or after January 1, 2027, the maximum weekly rate rises again to $462.
Prior to this new Act, PPD rates had been unchanged for quite a while. This difference may have a big impact on your case.
New Rules for Repeat Surgeries and PPD “Stacking”
Before Act 145, Wisconsin commonly allowed “stacking” of minimum PPD ratings when a worker had multiple surgeries on the same body part. This often led to inflated ratings that didn’t always reflect actual functional loss. Act 145 changes that.
Now the law states that:
- PPD ratings for repeat surgeries on the same limb must be based on a medical provider’s judgment.
- The rating cannot be lower than the rating assigned for the first surgery.
- Automatic stacking of minimum ratings is eliminated.
- This rule applies only to scheduled body parts, not the spine.
For workers, this means your rating will be more individualized. For insurers, it reduces the likelihood of inflated cumulative ratings. For you, the key takeaway is that your doctor’s medical opinion now plays a larger role in determining your benefits after multiple surgeries.
Expanded PTSD Coverage for First Responders
Act 145 broadens mental health protections for Wisconsin’s emergency personnel. Previously, PTSD coverage was limited to certain categories of first responders.
Now, PTSD coverage extends to:
- Emergency medical responders
- Emergency medical service practitioners
- Firefighters (including volunteers)
This aligns these groups with protections already available to law enforcement officers.
Changes to Settlement Procedures
The Act also changes how settlements are handled.
Key updates include:
- No more restricted bank accounts
- Automatic dismissal of pending hearing applications
- Case closure upon settlement approval
- Settlement payments are not considered advance payments of compensation
Clarified Statute of Limitations (SOL) Rules
There is now better clarity around the statute of limitations when you file for a hearing.
Under the new rules:
- Filing an application for hearing pauses (tolls) the statute of limitations from the date of filing until the case reaches a final disposition.
- “Final disposition” includes dismissal, even without prejudice.
- The tolling period cannot extend the statute of limitations beyond the date of final disposition or the original expiration date, whichever is later.
Additional Updates That May Affect Your Claim
Act 145 includes several other changes that could impact your workers’ compensation experience:
- Serious Traumatic Injuries: Shoulder replacements and reverse shoulder replacements are now included in the category of injuries not subject to the statute of limitations.
- Hospitalization Cases: Health care providers cannot block employer or insurer case-management personnel from participating in discharge planning when needed to ensure safe housing or transportation.
- Insurance Compliance: The Act expands criminal penalties for fraudulent workers’ compensation insurance applications, including misclassifying employees.
What This Means for Wisconsin Workers
If you’re pursuing a workers’ compensation claim in Wisconsin, Act 145 may affect:
- How much you receive in disability benefits
- How your PPD rating is calculated
- Whether your PTSD claim is covered
- How your settlement is processed
- How long you have to pursue your claim
Pick an Attorney Who Can Protect Your WI Workers’ Comp Rights
While law changes in workers’ comp are not usually significant, Wisconsin Act 145 made some bigger changes than most people are used to. With the right attorney at your side, you can safely know that your rights are protected at every stage.
Worn down at work? Let the experienced Wisconsin workers’ compensation lawyers at Axis Legal, LLC review your case. Contact us today for a free, no-risk evaluation.