Injured On The Job? Let Our Experienced Attorneys Help You Seek Worker’s Compensation.

Every year, thousands of people are involved in work-related accidents or suffer occupational exposure injuries due to their workplace environment. At the Injury & Disability Law Office of Wisconsin, we believe that every work injury is a serious injury. If you have been involved in a work-related accident or have an injury that you believe is caused by your job duties, please contact us to discuss your claim.

Our experienced and caring attorneys represent injured workers, union members and Teamsters, as well as injured and disabled people, not only in the greater Milwaukee area but throughout the state of Wisconsin, including Kenosha, Racine, Green Bay, Neenah and Appleton. We always offer free initial consultations, and we take all cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no costs or fees unless we recover worker’s compensation benefits for you.

Understand Your Available Benefits And How To Claim Them

Worker’s compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to individuals suffering from a work-related injury. Depending on the seriousness of your injury, you may also be eligible for:

• Job retraining
• Schooling
• Compensation for permanent impairments or a loss of earning capacity

These are not benefits that an insurance company will willingly or voluntarily offer, because they are primarily concerned with their own bottom line. We believe strongly in educating our clients so that they can make informed decisions about their futures. We take the time to answer your questions and explain all of your options. Then, our aggressive and knowledgeable attorneys will fight to secure your benefits and protect your rights throughout the process.

Questions We Often Get About Worker’s Compensation

Injured or ill because of hazards at your job? We can help you understand the worker’s compensation process in Wisconsin. Below are questions that clients commonly ask us – and brief answers to them. For legal counsel and advice, reach out to us online or call 414-988-3401.

What common mistakes can jeopardize a worker’s compensation claim in Wisconsin?

The common mistakes that jeopardize Wisconsin worker’s compensation claims include:

• Failing to report the injury to your employer
• Failing to file a worker’s compensation claim before the deadline
• Not getting medical care right away
• Not including the necessary medical records
• Discussing the injury online
• Trying to manage the claim on your own

Working with a worker’s compensation lawyer is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your claim is successful. We have the knowledge and experience you need to file a claim and take on any denials.

How long do I have to file a worker’s compensation claim after my work injury or diagnosis?

In Wisconsin, you have six years to file for worker’s compensation benefits after a traumatic or acute injury. If you have an occupational disease, you have 12 years.

Remember that you need to report the injury to your employer within 30 days or you may not be able to file a worker’s compensation claim.

If my worker’s compensation claim is denied, what is the next step I should take?

If you have experienced a worker’s compensation claim denial, the first thing you should do is contact an attorney. Appeals are complex; you do not want to attempt them yourself. Our attorneys can review your claim and determine what went wrong. We will correct any issues and include any missing documentation.

Can my employer fire me for filing a worker’s compensation claim?

No, your employer cannot fire you for filing a worker’s compensation claim. It is illegal to do so. If your employer tries to fire you for this, you should talk to a worker’s compensation attorney immediately.

The insurance company scheduled me for an independent medical examination (IME). Do I have to go?

Yes, in most cases, you have to go to the IME if you are scheduled for one. Refusing to attend the exam can have negative outcomes for your worker’s compensation claim. Your benefits could be suspended. You could also be fined if you miss the exam.

If you need to reschedule your exam, that is allowable, but you should go to the rescheduled appointment.

What is the difference between temporary total disability (TTD) and permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits?

If you are unable to work at all while recovering from your injury, you will receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits during this healing period. PPD benefits are different in that they cover a permanent partial disability that still allows you to work, but not at your previous capacity. You may receive PPD benefits after you hit maximum medical improvement. A physician will assign a permanent disability rating based on the affected body part.

My injury was caused by a preexisting condition that got worse at work. Is this covered by worker’s compensation?

Yes, typically a preexisting condition that is worsened by work duties is covered by worker’s compensation. The condition must permanently be worsened, however, to receive worker’s compensation benefits.

If my injury happened outside of Wisconsin, but I work for a Milwaukee-based company, can I still file a claim here?

Where you can file depends on the specific circumstances of the injury and the company you work for. You may be able to file in the state where you were injured. Alternatively, you may be able to file in the state you live in. In some cases, you may be able to file in Wisconsin.

The best idea is to discuss it with the company’s HR department as well as a worker’s compensation attorney.

Talk To Our Caring Attorneys For Free

To schedule a free consultation with attorney Jason Oldenburg or James Barrett, call our office in Shorewood at 414-988-3401 or reach out online. For your convenience, we offer in-home and office appointments upon request, and we serve clients statewide.