Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation For Workplace Hip Injuries
A serious hip injury can affect almost every part of your workday. Walking, lifting, bending and even sitting for long periods may become painful or difficult. For people in physical jobs, these limits can make returning to the same work much harder.
Hip injuries can happen in different ways. A fall or heavy impact may cause a labral tear or other damage. Years of lifting, twisting and bending can also lead to serious joint wear and degeneration.
If your job caused or worsened your hip condition, Wisconsin workers’ compensation may provide benefits.
At Domer Law, S.C., we focus only on Wisconsin workers’ compensation. Our attorneys also literally wrote the premier legal reference on Wisconsin workers’ compensation law.
Workers’ Comp Benefits After Hip Surgery
Wisconsin workers’ compensation generally covers 100% of reasonable and necessary medical care for a work injury. Depending on your needs, coverage may include:
- Total hip replacement surgery: Surgery may be covered when it is medically necessary and related to your work injury.
- Hospital and follow-up care: Workers’ comp may pay for hospital treatment, doctor visits and other care related to the injury.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and post-surgery rehabilitation may also be covered.
- Future medical treatment: Some workers may later need more care, including revision surgery related to the original injury.
Once your condition has stabilized, your doctor may assign a permanent partial disability (PPD) rating. This rating reflects lasting loss of function and can affect the benefits you receive.
The insurance company may also require an independent medical exam (IME). This may happen when there is a dispute about your diagnosis, surgery, permanent disability or ability to return to work.
Our attorneys can review the IME findings and challenge opinions that do not fairly reflect your condition.
When You Cannot Return To Heavy Work
A hip replacement may leave you with permanent limits. You may no longer be able to lift heavy items, stand for long periods, climb or handle other demanding tasks.
If those limits keep you from returning to your former job, you may have other options. Depending on your case, you may be able to seek loss of earning capacity benefits or vocational retraining for different work.
A Wisconsin workplace hip injury lawyer at Domer Law can help you understand the benefits available to you. We represent injured workers across Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Waukesha.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few common questions can help you better understand your rights after a work-related hip injury.
Does Wisconsin workers’ comp cover total hip replacement surgery?
Yes, if the surgery is reasonable, necessary and related to a covered work injury. Coverage may also include hospital care, rehabilitation and follow-up treatment.
What if I had a pre-existing hip condition that work made worse?
You may still have a claim if your work caused, aggravated or accelerated the condition. A pre-existing problem does not automatically prevent you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Can I get retraining if I cannot return to heavy labor?
If permanent restrictions keep you from returning to your previous job, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation or retraining. This support can help you build skills for work that better fits your physical limits.
Get Help With Your Workplace Hip Injury Claim
Contact Domer Law for a free consultation with a Wisconsin workers’ compensation attorney who understands serious hip injury and joint replacement claims. Call our office at 888-353-8384 or send us an email today.