Appleton Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
Worker’s Compensation Lawyers Representing Appleton Workers
One of the “Fox Cities”, Appleton is located in the heart of the Fox River Valley. It is the primary city in the third-largest metropolitan area in Wisconsin, behind only Milwaukee and Madison. Notable attractions in Appleton include Hearthstone House, the History Museum at the Castle, and the Paper Discovery Center. The city has a diverse economy, with some of the largest employers being St. Elizabeth Hospital/Ascension Health, Thrivent Financial, Miller Electric, and Appvion, Inc. Workers make up the backbone of the economy in Appleton.
Unfortunately, workplace injuries are more common in Appleton than many may think. They have the potential to require extensive medical care, keeping you out of work while everyday expenses must still be paid. At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, our Appleton worker’s compensation attorneys can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve when you are injured on the job. If you or your loved one was hurt on the job in Appleton, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will protect your rights.
An Overview of the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Regulations
Were you injured while on the job in Appleton, Wisconsin? If so, it is imperative that you know your rights and responsibilities under the law. State worker’s compensation laws protect workers who are injured or contract an illness on the job. These laws ensure that you receive benefits for injuries sustained on the job. This coverage is available to a vast majority of Wisconsin workers who work across many industries. Here is an overview of the key things to understand about worker’s comp claims in Appleton, WI:
- Most Employees are Covered By Worker’s Comp: You should not be left responsible for the financial burden that comes as a result of obtaining a work-related injury or have to worry if you can return to work. The Worker’s Compensation Act covers individuals in the public and private sector who may work full or part-time. For reference, the worker’s compensation law protects over 98% of Appleton workers. Almost all employers are required to provide no-fault worker’s comp benefits for their staff. If your employer fails to obtain the proper workers’ comp insurance coverage, you have options available to get your benefits. An experienced Appleton, WI worker’s comp lawyer can help you maximize your financial recovery.
- Many Types of Injuries/Impairments are Covered (Must Be Work-Related): Injured workers may receive compensation for physical ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries… On-the-job accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. For example, Toxic exposure, falling objects, and equipment malfunctions have all led to successful worker’s compensation claims. These occurrences have resulted in head injuries, contaminations, neck injuries, allergic reactions, broken bones, and much more. The only thing that must be true is that the injuries arise from the work. Notably, this does not mean that an injury had to happen on an employer’s premises. As long as you were “on the job” when the incident occurred, you can seek workers’ compensation benefits.
- Negligence (Fault) is Not a Required Element in a Worker’s Comp Claim: The Wisconsin worker’s compensation insurance system is an alternative to the traditional personal injury claims process. It is an exclusive remedy. This means that employees usually cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. One of the key differences between the two types of claims is that fault is not a factor in a Wisconsin worker’s comp claim. You can recover benefits even if you cannot improve that your employer did something negligent, unsafe, or otherwise wrongful. As long as your injury occurred in the course and scope of your employment, you are eligible for coverage.
- You Can Get Benefits for Medical Care and Wage Replacement: As a starting point, worker’s comp benefits provide coverage for all medical care that is deemed reasonably related to the underlying accident. You should not be required to pay any out-of-pocket medical bills if you have a viable worker’s comp claim. Emergency expenses are covered, as are other medical bills and rehabilitative care costs. Next, worker’s comp in Wisconsin provides wage replacement benefits for people who had to miss time on the job in order to recover from the injury/illness. Your weekly workers’ comp benefits are based, in large part, on your pre-injury earnings. Coverage is also available for partial and total disability for temporary and permanent injuries in the form of disability payments. If you suffered a permanent impairment, it is crucial that you consult with an Appleton workers’ comp lawyer. Your attorney will ensure that you get the maximum possible financial settlement.
- A Worker’s Comp Denial Can Be Appealed in Appleton: Sadly, it is not always easy for people to get their full and fair workers’ comp benefits. Businesses have a history of denying worker’s compensation claims to avoid compensating the injured worker. This situation serves as grounds to seek the legal counsel of an experienced worker’s compensation attorney. Our Appleton worker’s compensation attorneys from Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf can provide you with the representation you need to retrieve the compensation you deserve. With deep experience advocating for the rights of workers in appeals, we are more than ready to get you justice and accountability.
What to Do If Your Worker’s Compensation Benefits are Denied in Appleton
If your worker’s comp claim was rejected in Appleton, it is normal to feel frustrated. An unfair workers’ compensation denial can put a tremendous amount of stress and strain on your family. It can pose a true financial hardship. You need to know how to get the right steps to effectively appeal the denial. Here are four things that should be ready to do if your worker’s comp claim is turned down by your employer or the insurance company in Appleton:
- Read and Review the Denial Letter: Pursuant to Wisconsin law, injured workers are entitled to get a written denial letter if their worker’s comp claim is rejected. Within that denial letter should be some key details about your case. This would include why the claim was denied and what you need to do to appeal.
- Speak to an Appleton Worker’s Comp Appeal Lawyer: Worker’s comp appeals are extremely complex. Do not go up against employers/insurance companies all alone. You need an aggressive, effective advocate on your side. Consult with an experienced Appleton, WI worker’s comp lawyer as soon as possible after getting a denial.
- File the Appeal in a Time Manner: An appeal must be filed in a timely manner. If you wait too long to appeal, you could miss out on your opportunity to take action. You will need to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. A lawyer can represent you during this hearing.
- Be Ready to Take Additional Action: Even the administrative law judge in your case fails to rule in your favor on appeal, you have additional options available. You have the right to file an appeal to the Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission (LIRC). An attorney in Appleton can help.
You Can Rely On the Appleton Worker’s Comp Lawyers at Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf
Following a serious accident on the job, you need financial compensation to cover medical bills and support your family. Sadly, employers and insurers do not always make the process easy. At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, we are here to guide you through every step of the way—ensuring that your rights and interests are protected. Among other things, our Appleton, WI worker’s compensation attorneys will:
- Conduct a no-cost, no-obligation review and evaluation of your case.
- Answer your most important questions and explain your rights.
- Handle all of the workers’ comp claims paperwork—building a strong claim.
- Take aggressive action to make sure you receive the full financial benefits you deserve.
Our Appleton worker’s compensation attorneys from Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf will fight to recover the compensation you need. As the injured worker’s attorneys, we have represented injured Wisconsin workers for over 65 years and have recovered Social Security Insurance for various disabilities and injuries. Contact us today at 414-257-2667 for a free case evaluation. You don’t pay us a dime until we win your case.
Frequent Questions for Appleton Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
You have a claim if you suffered a loss because of a job-related injury. This means that to get worker’s compensation, you have to show three things: Read More
Contact Our Appleton, WI Worker’s Comp Attorneys Today
At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, our Appleton worker’s compensation lawyers have the skills, knowledge, and experience that you can count on for results. We know how to hold employers, insurers, and claims administrators accountable for treating our clients fairly. You are not alone in the claims process.
If you or someone you know was hurt on the job, the Appleton worker’s compensation lawyers at Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf are ready to get started on your case. Call us now or connect with us online for your no-cost, no-obligation case review. We represent injured workers in Appleton and throughout the surrounding communities, including in Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago counties.