If you sustained a work-related injury or illness in Wisconsin, you probably want to know how your worker’s compensation benefits are calculated. The calculation of worker’s compensation benefits in Wisconsin depends on a number of things, including but not limited to your date of injury wage, how much work you miss, your pre-injury earnings and others. The best way to estimate your potential compensation is to work with an experienced Wausau, WI, workers’ compensation lawyer.
Medical Benefits for Injured Workers in Wisconsin
If you suffer a work-related injury or illness in Wisconsin, your employer’s workers’ comp provider covers the full cost of all reasonable, medically necessary treatments. Your workers’ comp medical benefits cover everything from doctor’s visits and surgeries to physical therapy, prescription drugs, and assistive devices like wheelchairs or crutches. And in certain instances the payment for medical expenses extends beyond the date of end of healing. Once again it is important to discuss the entitlement to worker’s compensation medical benefits with an experience worker’s compensation lawyer..
Temporary Disability Benefits
Wage-replacement benefits (commonly referred to as temporary disability benefits) are another critical component of your workers’ compensation benefits after an injury or illness. The type and amount of these benefits depend on your wage on the day you hurt yourself and whether there is medical support that you are healing:
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – If your injuries keep you from working in any capacity while you heal, you can receive TTD benefits. TTD benefits are set at two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wages, up to certain limits under state law.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – TPD benefits may apply if your injuries let you work in some capacity, but you can’t earn as much as usual. Your TPD benefit is two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury average weekly wage and your post-injury wage.
Permanent Disability Benefits
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – If you suffer a permanent impairment to your body due to your injuries but can still work in some capacity, you may qualify for PPD benefits. These benefits are computed using complex formulas set by the state, and the length of your benefits depends on the nature and severity of your injury.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits – If your injuries leave you completely disabled you may qualify for payment of benefits for the rest of your life if you meet the requirements. PTD benefits are set at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to state limits.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job then you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation under the guidance of the work comp laws of Wisconsin and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Workers’ comp may be responsible to cover the cost of job retraining and other programs to help you find a new career that your injuries will allow you to perform. If you meet the qualifications, your employer’s insurer covers the full cost of these programs.
Loss of Earning Capacity Claims
If your injuries affect your whole body and result in job loss then you may be able to bring a claim for functional permanent disability as well as loss of earning capacity instead of vocational retraining.
Injured at Your Job in Wisconsin? Our Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help
Attorney Lisa A. Wiebusch has over three decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured Wisconsin workers. If you sustained an injury at work, Attorney Wiebusch can handle your claim and see that your employer provides the benefits you’re owed. Call the Law Office of Lisa A. Wiebusch now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
