Workers Compensation in Green Bay, WI
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Wisconsin state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Green Bay, Wisconsin workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Green Bay, Wisconsin?
The Midwest Information Office collected reports of over 2.8 million work injuries in Wisconsin in 2019 alone. As a result, employees in the state lost over 1.5 million days worth of lost wages due to time away from work, transfers, or physical restrictions. For Green Bay, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 172,100 people made up the full-time civilian labor force. Unfortunately, private and government employees suffered injury or illness at a rate of 3.4 per 100. That produces an estimated number of 5,851 people who may have needed workers’ compensation coverage in only one year.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Green Bay, Wisconsin?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
The Department of Workforce Development states that companies with one or more employees should have coverage. Some exceptions exist for independent contractors or federal employees, however. Once approved, Green Bay residents hurt at work receive payments for lost wages, medical bills, and out-of-pocket expenses. The state calculates reimbursement by identifying ⅔ of your annual salary at this time.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Green Bay, Wisconsin are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Green Bay, Wisconsin healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Green Bay residents injured at work should report the incident to the Department of Workforce Development Development right away. Giving information promptly is critical because your employer has time limits to submit forms.
Timeline and Other Information
After receiving approval for workers’ compensation in Wisconsin, you must wait 3 days for benefits to start. You cannot secure cash payments or medical coverage until this time passes. If your illness or injury lasts longer than 7 days, you receive compensation for those 72 hours. Injured workers from Green Bay can receive benefits for as long as necessary, but permanent issues may fall under disability.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Green Bay, Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Green Bayworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Green Bay, Wisconsin
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Green Bay, Wisconsin you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
