Suffering an injury while working or developing an illness because of your job can put financial strain on you and your family. Without a paycheck, you may be wondering how you’ll pay for your medical bills, much less your everyday needs. Without experienced help, filing for workers’ compensation benefits can feel overwhelming—and the last thing you want to worry about while recovering from your injuries is paperwork.

At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we’re familiar with the workers’ compensation system in Wisconsin, and we know what it takes to file successful claims. If you were injured while working or are suffering from a work-related illness, we’re here to help.

Contact our Green Bay injury lawyers today for a free case review. 

Filing for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Wisconsin

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide compensation to employees who are injured on the job for their medical bills and lost wages. Unfortunately, those benefits aren’t always easy to obtain.

A Green Bay workers’ compensation attorney at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can help you file a strong claim with the best possible chance of success. When you choose us to handle your claim, we’ll help you by:

• Proving your injury happened at work – We can investigate the cause of your injury, collect incident reports, and interview witnesses to leave no doubt about how the injury occurred.
• Filing your claim accurately and on time – Many workers’ compensation claims are denied simply because they are missing information or filed late. We’ll make sure your claim is filled out completely and filed on time.

Whether you want to appeal a claim that’s been denied or you’re applying for the first time, a Green Bay workers’ compensation attorney is here to help you get the benefits you need. Contact our legal team now for a free case review.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Green Bay? 

Wisconsin workers’ compensation benefits are governed by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and designed to provide financial support and medical care for employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational illnesses.  

Depending on the circumstances of your case, benefits can include medical treatment, wage replacement, disability benefits, and assistance returning to the workforce. 

Medical Expenses 

Workers’ compensation may cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to a workplace injury or illness. Covered expenses can include emergency care, hospital visits, surgeries, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment. 

Workers in Green Bay can seek treatment at local healthcare facilities such as Bellin Hospital and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital after a serious workplace injury. 

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits 

Some injured employees can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than they did before the injury. Temporary partial disability benefits help make up a portion of the difference in wages. 

Temporary Total Disability Benefits 

If your injury completely prevents you from performing your previous job duties, you could qualify for temporary total disability benefits. These benefits provide partial replacement of your pre-injury wages while you recover. 

Permanent Disability Benefits 

When a workplace injury results in permanent impairment, additional benefits may be available. The amount and duration of compensation depend on the severity of the disability and its effect on your ability to earn a living. 

Vocational Rehabilitation 

If an injury stops you from returning to your previous occupation, vocational rehabilitation services can help you develop new skills and train for alternative employment opportunities. 

Common Workplace Injuries in Green Bay 

Green Bay’s economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, construction, warehousing, and food production industries. Workers in these fields may face a variety of occupational hazards.  

Some of the most common workplace injuries are: 

• Back and neck trauma  
• Repetitive stress injuries  
• Fractured bones  
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 
• Burns  
• Chemical exposure  
• Falls 
• Machinery-related accidents 
• Shoulder and knee trauma  

Even injuries that develop over time can still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they’re related to job duties. 

What to Do After an On-the-Job Injury 

It’s your responsibility to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Prompt reporting can help avoid disputes regarding when and how your injury occurred. Injured workers should also: 

• Seek any necessary medical treatment. 
• Follow all treatment recommendations. 
• Keep copies of medical records and work restrictions. 
• Document missed work and lost wages. 

It’s your employer’s responsibility to report the injury to its insurance carrier, who will then contact the Wisconsin DWD. The insurance carrier pays for your medical expenses, plus lost wages if your doctor authorizes three days or more away from work.  

Consulting an attorney if disputes arise is essential to recovering appropriate compensation for your losses. The Green Bay workers’ compensation attorneys at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers are well-versed in Wisconsin law. We can fight on your behalf to secure a fair outcome. 

Contact us now for a free case review. 

Can You File a Third-Party Liability Claim? 

Workers’ compensation generally prevents employees from suing their employers. However, some workplace accidents involve third parties who may be legally responsible for injuries. Those parties could be: 

• Negligent drivers who cause work-related vehicle accidents 
• Equipment manufacturers that produce defective machinery 
• Contractors working at a job site 
• Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises  

In these situations, an injured worker could have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate personal injury claim. A successful third-party claim allows for recovery of damages not available through workers’ compensation alone. 

Why Are Workers’ Compensation Claims Denied? 

Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system exists to help injured employees, but claims are sometimes denied because of: 

• Allegations that the injury didn’t happen at work  
• Missed reporting deadlines  
• Lack of medical evidence  
• Disputes regarding the severity of the injury  
• Preexisting condition arguments  
• Incomplete paperwork  

A denial doesn’t necessarily mean the claim lacks merit. In many situations, additional evidence or an appeal may resolve the issue. That’s why it’s important to consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you navigate the claims process. 

How Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers Helps Injured Green Bay Workers 

Medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future can create significant stress for injured workers and their families. 

At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process by: 

• Investigating workplace accidents  
• Gathering medical evidence  
• Communicating with insurance companies  
• Assisting with denied claims  
• Evaluating potential third-party claims  
• Fighting for the benefits our clients deserve  

Our team understands how to make the process easier. Our goal is to let you focus on recovery while we focus on protecting your rights. 

Contact us today to schedule a free case review. You only pay when we win, so there are no upfront fees to speak with us. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Law 

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Wisconsin? 

Wisconsin’s statute of limitations for reporting workplace injuries and pursuing workers’ compensation benefits varies depending on the circumstances.  

Workers must notify their employer within 30 days of the injury or of the point at which the worker should reasonably have recognized that the injury was related to their job duties. After giving notice, injured workers generally have six years after a sudden injury or 12 years after a gradually developing occupational injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. 

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Green Bay? 

No. Wisconsin law prohibits retaliation against workers for exercising their rights under the workers’ compensation system. Every situation is unique, however, and employees who believe they have experienced retaliation should seek legal advice. 

Are preexisting conditions covered? 

A preexisting condition doesn’t automatically prevent an employee from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If a workplace injury aggravated, accelerated, or worsened an existing condition, benefits may still be available. 

Do I need a lawyer if my employer’s insurance is already paying my medical bills? 

Not every workers’ compensation claim requires legal representation. However, disputes over medical treatment, disability ratings, lost wages, claim denials, or return-to-work issues can arise even after benefits have been approved. 

Contact Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers

An attorney experienced in Wisconsin workers’ compensation law can work on your behalf to gather strong evidence that can help resolve disputes from employers and their insurance carriers. 

The personal injury lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can assist you in filing your claim or if your workers’ compensation claim is disputed. Our team is committed to helping injured Green Bay workers get the benefits they need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.