Wisconsin Unemployment Attorneys
What is Unemployment Insurance?
At the most basic level, an employee may be eligible for unemployment if he or she was fired. Generally speaking, if an employee quits, the employee is not eligible. However, there are exceptions. Other situations in which an employee may be eligible include a temporary layoff, an unpaid suspension, or a reduction in hours of work.
Initial Investigation – Steps & Tips
There are some key points to remember when dealing with an unemployment compensation claim, some of which are commonsense, but some of which may not be known:
- Be concise. Answer the questions that are asked. Do not use each question as an opportunity to provide unnecessary details or pile on. If you need to take a moment to formulate a response before doing so to ensure that you fully know the answer, do so. When individuals think while they speak, they have a tendency to stray and confuse.
- Be factual. Using subjective adjectives or unnecessary exaggeration can paint anyone in a bad light and create arguable points where none should otherwise exist.
- Be attentive. Read all documents carefully and, if you are being interviewed, listen to each question carefully.
If unemployment benefits are approved, the employee must continue seeking employment from, at minimum, four employers per week to continue receiving benefits.
Either the employer or employee can appeal the initial determination of eligibility or benefits, at which point the case will be set for hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
Regardless where you are in the process, if you have questions, contact the attorneys at Walcheske & Luzi for answers.
Appealing a Unemployment Benefits Eligibility Determination in Wisconsin
After initial paperwork is completed, a Claims Specialist will make a decision about whether a former employee is eligible for unemployment benefits. An employee or employer may appeal an unfavorable determination.
If appealed, the case will be assigned to an Administrative Law Judge, where each side will argue its case for or against benefits.
The most common scenario in such an appeal is that the appellant/claimant was terminated and denied benefits based on the reason(s) provided by the former employer for the termination. The standard by which these cases are decided is called “misconduct.” The definition of misconduct includes the intentional and substantial disregard of an employer’s interests. As an example, if an employee was repeatedly intoxicated on the job, the employer warned the employee that if he was intoxicated at work one more time he would be fired, and the employee subsequently showed up intoxicated again and was fired, that would qualify as “misconduct” and benefits would justifiably be denied.
If it is determined by a Claims Specialist that an employee was terminated for misconduct, the burden is on the employee to prove otherwise. However, if a Claims Specialist grants the employee unemployment benefits and the former employer appeals, the burden is on the employer to prove misconduct.
The same applies to any other contention a former employer wishes to raise against a former employee’s receipt of benefits. If the employer is the appellant, it carries the burden.
Employee Resources
The Walcheske & Luzi Difference
At Walcheske & Luzi, LLC it is our pledge to provide open and honest advice, taking the time to listen, counsel, and advise. We have been characterized by many as a different kind of law firm, providing a certain type of personalized service, attention to detail, and honesty to its clients that other firms either can’t, don’t, or won’t provide.