The Wisconsin workers’ compensation system is meant to protect employees just like you. It helps you deal with work-related illnesses or injuries. Your employer must meet the requirements of the workers’ compensation system, or they can face significant penalties. Knowing what their obligations are can help you protect your own rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Wisconsin workers’ compensation lawyers at Axis Legal, LLC are ready to help you. Learn more about employer obligations so you can better protect yourself. We are here to help.
Who Is Required to Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
In Wisconsin, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You must obtain coverage if:
- You have three or more employees. This is true regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time.
- The business employs one or more workers and pays combined gross wages of $500 or more in any calendar quarter, for work performed in Wisconsin. Coverage must be secured by the 10th day of the first month of the next calendar quarter.
- You are a farm employer with six or more employees on any 20 days during a calendar year.
Employers who meet these thresholds must purchase a policy from a licensed insurer or apply for self-insurance through the DWD.
Coverage Requirements Designed to Protect You
Workers’ compensation insurance in Wisconsin must cover:
- Medical expenses that are related to your injury or sickness
- Both temporary and permanent disability benefits
- Services for vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits for any dependents of an employee killed while on the job
Coverage will apply whether you were at fault, or not. You do not have to prove the employer was negligent to be entitled to coverage, and can be entitled to compensation even if you were at fault for your injury.
Claims Handling Obligations for Wisconsin Employers
Employers must promptly report any workplace injury or illness to their insurance carrier. Key responsibilities include:
- Filing a First Report of Injury (WKC-12) with the insurer within seven days of learning about the incident.
- Cooperating with the insurer’s investigation and providing relevant documentation.
- Ensuring the injured employee receives appropriate medical care and time off as needed.
Failure to report claims promptly can delay benefits and expose the employer to penalties.
Posting and Notice Requirements
Your employer must:
- Post a workers’ compensation notice in a conspicuous location at the workplace. This notice informs employees of their rights and how to report injuries.
- Provide written notice of coverage to employees upon hire or when coverage changes.
These requirements help ensure employees understand their rights and the process for filing claims.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Employers who fail to carry required workers’ compensation insurance may face:
- Fines up to $100 per day for each day of noncompliance.
- Liability for all benefits owed to injured workers, including medical costs and wage replacement.
- Additional penalties if the employer is found to have intentionally failed to secure coverage.
Uninsured employers may also be referred to the Uninsured Employers Fund (UEF), which pays benefits to injured workers and seeks reimbursement from the employer.
Self-Insurance Option
Qualified employers may apply to self-insure, but they must meet strict financial and administrative criteria. The DWD evaluates:
- Financial stability and net worth.
- Claims handling procedures.
- Security deposits or guarantees.
Self-insured employers assume full responsibility for paying claims and managing compliance.
Recordkeeping and Audits
Employers must maintain accurate records of:
- Employee wages and classifications.
- Injury reports and claim documentation.
- Insurance coverage and policy details.
Get a Free Consultation from an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Wisconsin
Employers in Wisconsin need to understand and follow their obligations to protect you and their other employees. If an employer fails to meet workers’ compensation requirements, this can impact your rights. With the help of skilled attorney, you can enforce your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
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.