Workers’ compensation benefits are extremely important to your health and well-being after a work accident. They help you recover from your injuries, pay your medical bills, and even help if you face a new disability. Understanding how the process works and how to fight back against denials can help you protect your legal rights. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys can help you through every step of the process and fight for you.
The Wisconsin workers’ compensation lawyers at Axis Legal, LLC are ready to help you. Use this guide to learn the basics of workers’ compensation, but you don’t have to fight this fight alone. We are here to help.
Step 1: Know What Workers’ Compensation Covers
Workers’ comp is meant to help support you when you’re hurt at work. Whether your injury is new and sudden, or built up over time, you should be owed compensation for those injuries. Each case is unique, but benefits generally owed in these cases includes:
- Medical expenses
- Prescription costs
- Surgical costs
- Wage replacement while you are off of work
- Permanent disability benefits
- Training and assistance if you can’t return to the same job
- Death benefits to family members if the worker passes away
Step 2: Report Your Injury Right Away
You shouldn’t wait to file your injury claim. Instead, do it as soon as you possibly can. Tell your supervisor what happened and fill out any of the standard paperwork your employer uses for the report. Include details such as:
- When it happened
- What was injured
- How it occurred
- Who witnessed the accident
- What medical treatment you’ve had to this point, if any
If you wait too long, you could lose out on your right to compensation under workers’ compensation. Any delay could reduce the amount you receive, so it is always better to report it right away.
Step 3: Get Medical Attention
Your health comes first. After reporting the injury:
- Go to the doctor or emergency room right away
- Let the doctor know it happened at work
- Follow the doctor’s treatment plan and medical advice
Keep any documentation of your medical treatment, as this will be important evidence in your claim.
Step 4: File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once you’ve told your employer of the injury, they need to formally make a claim. While you don’t file it yourself, you can ask for confirmation that they did it for you. You should also submit any forms requested of you, and provide any information they ask for.
Keep records of anything related to your claim, including communications or documents. If your employer or insurer disputes the claim, you may need to file an application for a hearing with the DWD’s Workers’ Compensation Division.
Step 5: Know Your Rights Under Wisconsin Workers’ Comp Law
Milwaukee employees have many rights that deserve protection. These can include, but are not limited to:
- No retaliation at work for filing your claim
- Not being fired for filing a valid claim
- Having the right to appeal any denial
- The right to hire an attorney to represent you
- The right to fair compensation for your injuries
Step 6: Handle Disputes the Right Way
Disputes are common, especially regarding the severity of injuries or eligibility for benefits. If your claim is challenged:
- Request a formal hearing before the DWD
- Present medical evidence
- Use witness testimony
- Consider legal representation to strengthen your case
Many disputes are resolved through mediation or settlement before reaching a full hearing.
Get Help with the Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation System: Fight for the Benefits You Are Owed
Knowing the process is one thing, but navigating it is another. The right attorney has years of experience that can help you get what you deserve. The best Wisconsin workers’ compensation attorney walks you through the process and fights for you every step of the way.
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.