Racine residents should be able to pursue their careers free from the stress of workplace injuries. Most employers are required by state law to purchase workers’ compensation insurance and provide it to their employees as a benefit. Under these plans, an employee who suffers a workplace injury or illness can receive free medical care and cash assistance for time missed on the job.
Unfortunately, collecting these benefits can be difficult. For example, in some cases, insurance companies may dispute the extent of a worker’s harm or whether their injuries stemmed from their job duties. Fortunately, a Racine workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help when you need benefits after a work-related injury or illness. Additionally, an experienced injury attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd could assist you in understanding your rights, gathering evidence that bolsters your case, and pursuing the maximum payments you deserve.
When Workers’ Compensation Benefits Apply to an Injury
State law requires employers with at least three workers to provide workers’ compensation insurance. Even so, to attract top-quality talent, many employers choose to obtain these insurance plans as a benefit to their workers.
Workers’ comp plans function on a no-fault model. For example, according to Wisconsin Statutes § 102.03, when a worker suffers an injury or illness while on the job, they may qualify for benefits without needing to prove that their harm resulted from employer negligence. However, an insurance company or employer may argue that an injury did not happen while the worker was on the clock or that the injured employee caused their own injuries.
Insurance companies can also contest the severity of an illness or injury, only paying for legitimate time missed at work because of a documented medical condition. However, anyone who believes that an insurance company offered them an insufficient benefit package has the right to file an appeal. A knowledgeable attorney in Racine could help review an employee benefits package and determine if the payments adequately compensate injured workers for their pain.
Common Examples of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits come in two primary forms. The first includes payments for care needed to treat workplace illnesses or injuries. As long as a worker can demonstrate that a condition resulted from a person’s job duties, a benefits plan should pay for any care needed to help that worker return to a maximum level of medical improvement, including ER treatment, surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
The second form of workers’ compensation benefits is wage reimbursement. This benefit provides employees with payments to replace their income while they cannot work. In most cases, workers can receive 2/3 of their average weekly wage while recovering.
Cash payments may also be offered to workers who suffer permanent disability. Additionally, when an injury or illness leaves an employee unable to return to full work capacity, compensation benefits can provide payments to make up for lost income. A skilled lawyer in Racine could explain the potential benefits under a workers’ compensation claim and fight to get injured employees fair payments.
Speak with a Racine Attorney for Help Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When you are offered benefits under a workers’ compensation insurance policy, understanding your rights to financial help after an illness or injury is vital. Sadly, as with any insurance company, the plan’s administrator may attempt to avoid payment.
Fortunately, a Racine workers’ compensation lawyer could help you receive the benefits you deserve. These benefits can include complete medical coverage for work-related illnesses or injuries and wage reimbursement for time missed on the job. Contact our attorneys today to learn how we can advocate on your behalf and fight to protect your legal rights.