For many individuals, being injured at work is an unfortunate, but all too often, reality. When this happens, many individuals find themselves in an unfamiliar situation, not knowing where to turn with their questions or what to do next.
Injured at Work? Here’s What to Do
If you are injured at work, or sustain an accident or disease causing an injury, you should:
- Obtain medical attention
- Notify your employer of the injury immediately or as soon as possible, do not wait
- Compile and maintain all medical and payment records related to your injury
In order to qualify worker’s compensation benefits, employees should notify their employers within 30 days of becoming aware of the injury, or at the very least within 2 years of the injury.
After your employer receives notice of the injury, they have 7 days to report it to their insurance carrier. Next, their insurance carrier will file various reports with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) regarding your injury and insurance coverage. Then, the DWD will send an informational pamphlet to you explaining your compensation rights.
At this point, hopefully you will receive compensation from the insurance carrier for reasonable and necessary medical expenses and lost wages. However, it is possible the insurance carrier will deny your claim or stop payments. The insurance carrier will notify you of this in writing. If your workers compensation claim has been denied, you have the right to a hearing with the DWD.
Was Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Denied?
If you have been denied workers’ compensation benefits by your employer’s insurance carrier, contact us immediately! The next step is to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to defend you against the insurance carrier during your hearing before the DWD. We will investigate your case, contact the insurance carrier, and file an application for hearing with the DWD.
If you have questions about the Worker’s Compensation process or about your benefits, you owe it to yourself to get answers. We know we can help you.
The Walcheske & Luzi, LLC Difference
At Walcheske & Luzi, LLC it is our pledge to provide open and honest advice, taking the time to listen, counsel, and advise. We will work closely with you on your workers’ compensation issue. Tell us about your situation, we’re ready to help.