Are you struggling to recover from a work injury in Madison and feeling the financial strain? Wisconsin’s worker’s compensation laws give you clear rights to benefits, but getting what you’re owed isn’t always easy. Paperwork, demands from the insurance company, and employer or insurer disputes can stall the process. You don’t have to solve this puzzle by yourself. A workplace accident lawyer in Madison can guide you through the claims process, deal with the insurance company for you, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Get LawtonCates on your side. Our award-winning law firm has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and holds the highest distinction as “AV-Preeminent Lawyers” by Martindale-Hubbell. We will take the time to understand your workers’ compensation case and explain your options in plain language. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident
If you get hurt on the job, you need to act quickly to protect your health and your right to worker’s compensation benefits. Here’s what you should do:
- Tell your supervisor right away – Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible. If you can’t provide notice immediately, you must do so within 30 days. Waiting too long could cause problems with your workers’ compensation claim.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible – See a doctor promptly. They can diagnose, document, and provide the necessary medical care. Ask for a copy of the medical report and tell the physician that the injury happened at work. Wisconsin law allows you to choose your own doctor after a workplace accident.
- Follow all treatment instructions – Go to every appointment and follow your doctor’s orders. Skipping visits or ignoring medical advice could impact your access to benefits.
- Keep records of everything – Save copies of medical bills, doctor notes, and any letters from your employer or insurance company that are related to your job injury.
- Contact a Madison worker’s compensation lawyer – A lawyer can explain your options, deal with the insurance company, and take action if your benefits are denied or delayed.
Importance of Hiring a Madison Workplace Accident Lawyer
Occupational injuries can result in lost wages, unexpected medical bills, and considerable stress. When you face these problems, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you seek the recovery you deserve. Mistakes during the claims process can happen easily and cost you time and money. A workplace compensation lawyer can step in to handle every step of the process while you focus on recuperating.
If your employer or their insurer denies your claim, an attorney can review your case, gather the necessary evidence to strengthen it, and advocate for the benefits you are legally entitled to. If you need a second opinion from a doctor or want to switch physicians, your lawyer can help you understand and exercise your rights.
If a contractor or other third party contributed to your injury, you might have a separate personal injury claim. The attorneys at LawtonCates handle both worker’s compensation and personal injury cases. We will explore all of your options and seek full compensation from all possible sources.
Remember, you don’t need to wait until a problem arises to get help. Consulting a lawyer early in the process can help you avoid common missteps and submit a strong claim to the insurance company.
Understanding Worker’s Compensation in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s worker’s compensation program can help you ease the burdens a workplace injury can cause by paying for all reasonable medical expenses, replacing a portion of your lost wages, and providing disability benefits and vocational rehabilitation as needed.
Nearly all employees in Wisconsin are eligible for benefits. However, there are a few exceptions, including:
- Domestic workers
- Some farm workers
- Volunteers who receive very little compensation
- Members of certain religious groups
Federal employees, railroad workers, and seamen are covered under different programs.
Worker’s compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t need to prove an employer was negligent to receive benefits. The main requirement is to show that the injury is work-related. This means you must have been acting in the course of your employment when you got hurt.
For instance, a construction worker injured after falling from a ladder on a worksite would likely receive worker’s comp benefits. But if that same employee tripped and fell in the parking lot on a lunch break, they were off the clock. Their injury didn’t occur while they were performing a work-related task, and they may not qualify for benefits.
If you are eligible, coverage begins on your first day of work, even if you’re in training or on probation. You don’t need to work a certain number of days or hours to qualify. Once you report the injury to your employer, they must report the incident to their workers’ compensation insurer.
Why Choose Us for Your Worker’s Compensation Claim?
Since 1958, LawtonCates has stood up for injured workers in Madison, Dane County, and throughout South Central Wisconsin. Our attorneys treat every workplace injury case with personalized care and attention. When you hire us, you get a legal team that puts your needs first and fights diligently to secure the benefits you are due.
Our lawyers don’t take shortcuts. We prepare every case with thorough attention to detail. We bring in medical experts, economic analysts, and other professionals to support your case as necessary. Insurance companies know we mean business, and that gives you a stronger position from the start.
Our firm believes Wisconsin workers should never have to worry about legal costs while trying to recover from an injury. When you choose our Madison worker’s compensation attorneys, you pay nothing unless we secure fair compensation for you.
Contact a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Madison, WI
You work to live. When a work-related injury sidelines you, you should be able to count on workers’ compensation benefits to see you through the hard times. If you’re struggling to get the benefits you’re entitled to, contact LawtonCates for a free case review. Our Madison worker’s compensation attorneys can assess your case, explain your rights, and walk you through your options.
There’s no obligation, so there’s nothing to lose. Contact our experienced advocates today for a free consultation.