Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Milwaukee WI
When accidents happen at work, they can have a significant impact not only on your physical well-being but also on your financial stability and the future of your loved ones. Whether you’re a factory worker with a back injury, a healthcare professional experiencing repetitive strain, or a construction worker injured on the job site, Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation program is designed to provide you with essential support and protection.
However, navigating the complex legal landscape of workers’ compensation can be challenging, especially when insurance companies deny claims or minimize benefits. At Axis Legal, LLC, we understand that you shouldn’t have to fight legal battles with adjusters who prioritize the company’s profits over your well-being in order to recover.
Based just west of Milwaukee, we proudly serve injured workers throughout the area. Our firm is located in Milwaukee, and we serve other areas, such as Brookfield, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, and other communities in Wisconsin. We specialize in workers’ compensation cases and provide the specialized knowledge and advocacy that injured workers need.
Understanding Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Law
Workers’ compensation is an insurance system established in Wisconsin under Chapter 102 of the Wisconsin Statutes that provides benefits for employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. Unlike traditional litigation, workers’ compensation operates on a “no-fault basis,” meaning that injured workers can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident – whether it was the employer, another coworker, or the employee themselves.
Under Wisconsin law, employers with three or more employees generally have to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If an employee has a work-related injury, they may be entitled to certain benefits, such as medical expenses, temporary disability payments, permanent disability benefits and vocational rehabilitation. However, employees typically cannot sue their employer for additional compensation in a civil court due to the exclusive remedy doctrine outlined in Wis. Statute § 102.03 which protects employers from further liability.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development oversees the workers’ compensation system and processes claims through the Division of Hearings and Appeals in case of disputes. The legal process begins with filing a Notice of Intent to Claim and attending medical examinations. If necessary, the process may continue with a formal hearing before a Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge.
Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation: Key Legal Protections for Milwaukee Workers
Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system provides specific protections for employees in Milwaukee. Under Wisconsin Statute 102.15, employees who are injured at work are entitled to all reasonable and necessary medical expenses paid by their employer’s insurance company. This includes visits to doctors, hospital stays, prescriptions, physical therapy, and any medical equipment related to a work-related injury.
For wage replacement, Wisconsin law provides Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits at two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that is adjusted annually. If an employee can return to work, but at a reduced capacity or wage, they may also be eligible for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits, as outlined in Wis. Stat. § 102.47.
Permanent disability benefits are determined using the Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) schedule outlined in Wisconsin Statute § 102.54. This schedule assigns specific values to various body parts and disabilities. For workers who are unable to return to any type of work, Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits may be available according to Wisconsin Statute §102-11.
Importantly, Wisconsin law recognizes claims for Loss of Earning Capacity (LOEC) under Wis. Stat. §102.55 for workers whose injuries prevent them from earning their previous income, even if they can perform some work. In these cases, it is often necessary to conduct vocational assessments and analyze the labor market to determine the extent of the loss in earning capacity.
Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Representation Throughout Wisconsin
Our founder, Attorney Alex E. Eichhorn, has established a distinguished reputation as one of Wisconsin’s most experienced and results-oriented workers’ compensation attorneys. Throughout his career, he has recovered over $30 million for injured workers. After helping to establish one of the largest workers’ compensation departments in the state, he founded Axis Legal to provide injured workers with personalized attention and advanced legal representation.
We understand that workplace accidents can have a devastating impact on families, especially when insurance companies deny claims or try to reduce benefits. Our firm handles cases involving:
Common Workplace Injuries We Represent
- Back and neck injuries resulting from lifting, repetitive stress, or traumatic events.
- Shoulder and knee injuries caused by slips, falls, or excessive use.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive movement disorders.
- Construction site accidents, including falls, machinery accidents, and structural failures.
- Injuries in warehouses and manufacturing facilities due to heavy machinery and equipment.
- Healthcare worker accidents, such as needle sticks and injuries from patient handling.
- Exposure to chemicals and toxic substances.
- Exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions that are exacerbated by work activities.
Comprehensive Benefits Advocacy
- Medical expense coverage for all necessary treatment
- Temporary disability payments (TTD/TPD) to replace lost wages
- Permanent disability benefits (PPD/PTD) for long-term impairments
- Loss of earning capacity (LOEC) compensation for reduced future income
- Vocational rehabilitation programs to help return to work
- Reimbursement for medical travel costs
- Death benefits for families who have lost a loved one
Strategic Legal Representation When Insurance Companies Deny Claims
Insurance companies often use tactics to reduce payments or deny legitimate claims altogether. They may challenge the work-related nature of injuries, argue against medical treatment recommendations, or claim that employees have recovered too soon. In these situations, it is crucial to have legal representation.
Our law firm handles cases where insurance companies deny claims, pay out less than what is due, or fire employees retaliatorily. We also investigate claims against third parties, such as contractors, equipment manufacturers, and others, who may be responsible for workplace injuries. This allows injured workers to seek additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Why Choose Axis Legal, LLC for Your Workers’ Compensation Case
We bring a unique combination of legal expertise, technological innovation, and compassion to every case we handle. Our firm specializes exclusively in workers’ compensation and personal injury law, ensuring that we stay up-to-date with the latest legal standards and medical evidence requirements.
Our approach includes the following:
- Immediate case evaluation and strategic planning.
- Direct communication with clients throughout the entire process.
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies.
- Thorough medical record review and expert consultation.
- Formal hearing representation before administrative law judges.
- Appeal preparation when necessary.
Protect Your Rights—Contact Us Today
If you’ve experienced an injury at work in Wisconsin, it’s important to know that under Wis. Stat. § 102.29, you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days. You also have 12 years from the date of the injury to file a claim for benefits.
We understand that navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex and stressful. That’s why we recommend contacting Axis Legal, LLC for help. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if we successfully secure benefits for your case.