Employees are entitled to work in a safe environment. When an employee suffers an injury while at work, he or she is likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In Wisconsin, workers’ compensation is overseen through the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. If you are hurt on the job, you will receive a portion of your salary on a weekly basis until you are well enough to return to work or until your injury is deemed permanent.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are a variety of different workers’ compensation benefits that you may be entitled to if you were hurt at work.
- Temporary disability
- Medical treatment
- Permanent disability
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Mileage to and from medical appointments
Temporary disability is the most common form of workers’ compensation. It provides you with medical care and compensation for a period of time while you are recovering from your injury. If the injury is major, it could be a permanent disability, which is one from which you will not fully recover. Some people may require vocational rehabilitation to learn new job skills if they are no longer able to perform their original job.
What are My Rights and Responsibilities?
As an injured worker, you have some rights and some responsibilities. If you were injured on the job, you have a right to receive benefits unless you intentionally harmed yourself or were fighting on the job. You have the right to receive medical care for a work-related injury or condition. You are allowed to choose a first and second choice of doctor for treatment as long as the participating doctor is licensed in Wisconsin. You will need approval for additional medical care through a referral from your doctor.
You do not require a referral for emergency treatment or for a doctor practicing in the same clinic as the original doctor. Your medical records are confidential and will not be shared with others unless they are party to the claim.
You must report the injury to your employer immediately or as soon as possible following the incident. You are required to submit to reasonable medical care per the needs of your particular injury. If a procedure is dangerous to life or limb, you can refuse it. You must submit to medical examination when requested. You are required to update the insurance company regarding any changes in your income including if you start a new job. You must provide contact information to the insurance company and keep it updated.
If you were hurt at work, you must make a timely claim in order to ensure that you will receive your benefits. Not all workers’ compensation claims are approved, so it is important to follow all of the steps necessary and provide the documentation that is requested. Workers’ comp cases can be complex. You can get the legal help you need to resolve your workers’ comp claim or to file an appeal if your claim was denied. Call Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. to discuss the details of your workers’ compensation case.