Sustaining an injury at work is something that nobody wants to deal with. Not only do you have to worry about recovering from the injury itself, but you also have the trouble of dealing with workers’ compensation.
Are you entitled to compensation through your workplace? Is your employer required to carry insurance for this – and if so, what are your rights?
Here is what you need to know about navigating a workplace injury in Wisconsin:
What Constitutes An Appropriate Workers’ Compensation Claim?
When does an injury become work-related? For most people, the assumption is that an injury must happen at the physical location of your workplace – and at the fault of your employer – to qualify for workers’ compensation. The truth is a little less clear, but an attorney can help you better understand your rights.
Some general guidelines for workers’ compensation include:
An accident or injury that occurs at your place of employment.
An injury that occurs during paid work time, such as while running errands or even telecommuting for work.
An illness that results from exposure at work, especially if precautions were not taken by your employer to mitigate this risk.
Additionally, you will need to understand your state’s specific laws regarding workers’ compensation. To do this, it is best to work with a local workers compensation lawyer in Minocqua, WI.
Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Laws
Workers’ compensation laws vary by state. In Wisconsin, there are several points that must be met for an employer to be required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. These include:
• Employing one or more employees that make at least $500 gross per quarter for work performed in or for the state of Wisconsin.
• Employing three or more employees – either full-time or part-time, making any amount of money.
• Employing six or more farm laborers per day for 20 or more total days in a calendar year.
If your employer meets these qualifications, they are required to carry this insurance to cover workplace injuries. By working with an attorney, you can determine whether they do – and if they might be trying to avoid making a claim to cover your expenses.
Employers who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance may still be obligated to help cover your medical or other expenses. Be sure to consult with your attorney to learn more about what can be done to help speed and simplify your recovery!
