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Call
414-967-5656
Our Attorneys are here to help. If you have any questions or would
like to discuss your situation with a lawyer, please fill out the
form below.
3970 N.
Oakland Ave
Suite 701
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: 414-967-5656
Toll Free: 866-967-2656
Fax: 414-967-5845
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Here for Directions
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What benefits do I
get if I’m hurt on the job?
Answer:
While you are off work, you
get two-thirds of your weekly gross pay and all medical expenses.
The maximum amount changes yearly.
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How long do I get
benefits?
Answer: Until your doctor says you
are done healing. If your employer cannot offer work within your
temporary restrictions, benefits continue.
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What happens if I have
permanent restrictions?
Answer: If your doctor says your
injury has caused permanent restrictions (like lifting, bending or
standing), then you receive benefits based on the amount of
disability the doctor states.
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Can I choose my own
doctor?
Answer: Yes. Your employer can only
send you to its doctor in an emergency. Then you have the right to
see any doctor. (In a dispute, the employer can also send you to its
doctor for evaluation but not treatment. Note: Choose a doctor who
specializes in your kind of injury.)
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What if my company
fires me (or won’t take me back) after my injury?
Answer:
If your company has a job
within your permanent restrictions, the company has to offer it to
you or may be subject to a penalty equal to one year’s wages. But if
no jobs exist within your restrictions, the company does not have to
take you back.
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What if I get hurt so
badly I can’t return to my job?
Answer:
If your employer cannot take
you back under your doctor’s permanent restrictions, you may be
entitled to retraining benefits to send you back to school. If a
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor or vocational expert
sets up classroom retraining and you are motivated to return to
school, you can get paid weekly benefits.
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Are benefits different
if I have a limb injury versus a back or torso injury?
Answer: Yes. If you have an injury to
your torso (back or neck, head or lungs) and you cannot return to
your job, you may qualify for loss of earning capacity (future wage
loss) benefits in addition to your permanent disability.
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What if a work injury
aggravates a prior non-work injury?
Answer: The employer takes you
“as-is.” If a work injury aggravates a pre-existing condition beyond
its normal progression, you may be entitled to benefits (including
lost time, permanency and medical expenses).
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Can I sue my employer?
Answer: No, but you can sue some
other person or company (machine manufacturer, truck driver,
maintenance worker) if the person responsible for your injury is not
an employee of your company.
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What happens if the
company does something unsafe?
Answer: While you could not sue your
employer, your worker’s compensation benefits may increase by 15%.
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Do I lose my benefits
if I’m hurt because I do something unsafe?
Answer: No, but your benefits may be
reduced by 15%.
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Can I get more
benefits if the injury leaves a scar?
Answer: If your injury or the surgery
leaves a scar on your hands, face or arms, you may be eligible for
additional benefits.
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Can I get worker’s
compensation and Social Security Disability at the same time?
Answer: Yes. There is a formula that
entitles you to a specific amount of money monthly.
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If I have hearing
problems, what can I do?
Answer: After retirement, if your
doctor says the noisy workplace caused your hearing loss, you get
benefits, including hearing aids.
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I have a breathing
problem; what should I do?
Answer: See a lung specialist. If
your breathing problems were caused by work, you can get benefits,
including claims for asbestosis, silicosis and lung cancer.
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Oh, my aching back; I
can’t work or lift anymore.
Answer: If you have been doing heavy
work for many years, or if you hurt your back in a single accident,
you may claim permanency, retraining and loss of earning capacity
benefits.
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My company offers me
sick pay instead of worker’s comp. What should I do?
Answer:
Choose worker’s compensation.
Sick pay covers non-work sickness, and worker’s comp covers
injuries. Worker’s comp is not taxable and you get future protection
under worker’s compensation.
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What time limits are
important in reporting an injury?
Answer:
You should report any injury
right away. Your claim is valid for twelve (12) years from your
injury (or last benefits payment). There is generally no time limit
for occupational disease (lung, back injuries, joint replacements,
amputations, etc.).
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When should I get a
lawyer’s help?
Answer: Whenever you face these
problems:
• Your doctor and the company doctor disagree.
• The insurance company asks you to give a statement.
• You are being treated inappropriately after your injury.
• You cannot return to work because of your injury.
• You are asked to sign a settlement document.
• It is more than two weeks since your injury and you have
no benefits.
• You are fired after your injury.
• Your claim was denied (or you feel it will be denied soon).
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How much are lawyer’s
fees?
Answer: Lawyer’s fees are charged in
worker’s compensation only if the claim is successful. By statute,
fees are 20% of the amount in dispute.
The above information is provided
solely as a public service and in no way constitutes legal advice or
creates an attorney-client relationship.
Please click here
for more information.
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