Racine Worker’s Compensation Lawyers

We Represent Injured Workers in Racine and Throughout Southern Wisconsin

Located where the Root River meets Lake Michigan, Racine was recently named the “Most Affordable Place to Live” by Demographia International. The city has a diverse economy and it is home to some large industrial employers, including J. I. Case, S. C. Johnson & Son, and many more. A 30-minute drive to Milwaukee and a 75-minute drive to Chicago, Racine offers close access to some of the Midwest’s largest cities. Workers are the backbone of the economy in Racine.

Unfortunately, work-related accidents remain a serious public safety concern. At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, our Racine worker’s compensation attorneys have the skills and expertise to help you maximize your benefits after an accident. If you or your loved one was hurt on the job in Racine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Wisconsin work injury law firm to schedule a free, fully confidential initial consultation.

What to Know About Worker’s Compensation Laws in Wisconsin

Several hardships can come about after suffering a workplace injury. It can be difficult to manage your recovery while also trying to figure out how to pay all the unexpected bills that follow. If your injury is serious enough, it could keep you out of work for several weeks or months. In the worst-case scenario, you may not be able to return to your industry after the accident. In Racine, Wisconsin, workers have important rights. State laws protect workers who have been injured. Here are four things to know about the Wisconsin worker’s compensation laws:

Worker’s Comp Insurance is Mandatory for Most Employers: Whether you work in the private or public sector, the majority of Racine workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and do not even know it. In fact, over 98% of workers in Wisconsin are covered by the Worker’s Compensation Act. This act ensures that workers are covered for medical expenses, temporary total disability, and permanent partial disability. These protections exist for a variety of workers, whether you work a manual job or in an office setting.
Worker’s Comp Claims are ‘No-Fault’: One of the most important things to know about worker’s compensation claims in Wisconsin is that you are not required to prove that your employer was negligent or otherwise at fault to recover benefits. If you were hurt within the course and scope of your employment, you have a right to pursue benefits for medical care and lost wages.
Financial Benefits are Available for Injuries & Occupational Diseases: A serious injury can lead to a pile of debt you did not anticipate. You may be having trouble paying off medical bills while wondering what you can do to recover lost wages. Whether you work part-time or full-time, you likely have worker’s compensation benefits you are entitled to. Don’t hesitate to receive your fair share for your injuries. Whether you have endured physical injuries or an illness, many types of injuries are covered. Bruises, burns, fractures, cuts, crushing injuries, sprains, strains, amputations, paralysis, loss of hearing and sight, and even disfigurement are all covered by the law. Wisconsin worker’s compensation laws also cover psychological harm, accidental injuries, and occupational diseases.
You Have the Right to Legal Representation: You can hire an attorney to help with a worker’s comp claim or worker’s comp appeal. Our Racine worker’s compensation lawyers represent the rights of injured workers in Wisconsin. If you are currently suffering from an injury that you incurred on the job, our worker’s compensation lawyers are here to serve you. When you need a solution, our Racine worker’s compensation attorneys at Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf are available to guide you through your options. We understand this is a difficult time and anticipate that you may have several questions about the legal process and what benefits you are eligible to receive. Many of our clients are victims of injuries who do not fully understand their rights as workers. Our team of attorneys in Racine works hard to help you receive the benefits you deserve. We are dedicated to guiding you throughout the entire process. We can also help you fight claims that have been denied.

How Our Racine Worker’s Compensation Attorneys Can Help

Worker’s compensation claims are complicated. At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, we are here to make sure that you know exactly what you need to do to get the full and fair financial benefits that you rightfully deserve. Since 1948, we have been the “injured worker’s law firm” in Wisconsin, standing up for the rights of all who have suffered devastating accidents at work. We invite you to explore your options with us. Among other things, our Racine, WI worker’s comp lawyers will:

Answer questions and explain the claims process during a free consultation.
Gather the documents, records, and information you need to process your claim.
Take proactive steps to help you overcome any obstacles that stand in your way.

You deserve personalized legal guidance and support from a Racine, WI worker’s compensation lawyer who will put resources behind your case. We encourage you to hear what our former clients have to say about our Wisconsin worker’s comp attorneys. We represent clients seeking worker’s compensation and social security disability insurance benefits. Call our Racine worker’s compensation lawyers at 414-257-2667 to begin the process. You won’t pay a dime until we win you money.

Frequent Questions for Racine Worker’s Compensation Lawyers

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance system designed to provide medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured on the job or who develop an occupational illness. In Wisconsin, the system ensures injured workers receive care and financial support regardless of fault. Workers’ compensation also protects employers from certain types of lawsuits by making compensation benefits the exclusive remedy for covered workplace injuries.

Who Must Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Wisconsin?

Most employers in Wisconsin are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee. This includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Certain industries or specific business types exempted by statute may not be required to maintain coverage, but the vast majority of employers must participate. If you are unsure whether your employer carries coverage, you can request proof of insurance or contact the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Worker’s Compensation.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered?

Wisconsin workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur in the course of employment, including:

Traumatic injuries (such as fractures, cuts, and sprains)
Repetitive stress injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome)
Occupational diseases (such as lung conditions from workplace exposures)

In addition, if a pre-existing condition is aggravated by work duties, the resulting disability may be compensable.

To qualify, the injury must be directly related to your job duties or work environment.

Do I Have to Prove the Employer Was at Fault?

No. Wisconsin workers’ compensation operates under a no-fault system. You do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. The key requirement is that your injury arose out of and occurred in the course of your employment. Because the system does not hinge on fault, benefits are generally available whether the injury was your fault or the result of someone else’s actions on the job.

How Do I Report a Work Injury?

It is critical to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Wisconsin law requires that you give notice to your employer within a reasonable time — generally within 30 days of the injury or your knowledge that the injury is work-related. Failure to report promptly can result in denial of benefits, even if the injury is otherwise compensable.

After reporting, your employer should provide you with a claim form, which must be completed and submitted to begin processing your claim.

What Benefits Are Available?

Wisconsin workers’ compensation benefits typically include:

Medical benefits: Payment for necessary medical treatment related to your injury
Temporary disability benefits: Wage replacement if you are temporarily unable to work
Permanent disability benefits: Compensation for lasting impairments
Vocational rehabilitation: Assistance with retraining if you cannot return to your former job
Death benefits: Financial support for dependents if a workplace injury results in death

The amount and duration of benefits depend on the facts of your case, including the severity of your injury and your ability to return to work.

Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Claim?

No. Wisconsin law protects employees from retaliation for filing a legitimate workers’ compensation claim. An employer may not lawfully terminate or discipline an employee solely for seeking benefits under the workers’ compensation system. If retaliation occurs, the injured worker may have additional legal claims against the employer.

What Happens if My Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied by your employer’s insurance carrier, you have the right to appeal. In Wisconsin, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge through the Division of Worker’s Compensation. At the hearing, you and your attorney can present medical records, witness testimony, and expert opinions to support your claim and challenge the denial.

Common reasons for denial include disputes over whether the injury is work-related, whether treatment was necessary, or whether your employer received timely notice.

Do I Need an Attorney?

You are not required to hire an attorney to pursue workers’ compensation benefits, but many injured workers find legal representation valuable, especially when:

Your claim is denied
Your injury results in permanent disability
The insurance carrier disputes your medical treatment or wage loss
Complex legal issues arise

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help gather evidence, present your claim effectively, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

Is There a Deadline to File a Lawsuit?

Wisconsin generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for workers’ compensation benefits, but notice and reporting deadlines to your employer are much shorter. Because deadlines vary based on circumstances, injured workers should take action promptly and consult an attorney early to protect their rights.

Call Our Racine, WI Worker’s Comp Lawyers Today

If you have been hurt on the job, seeking timely guidance can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and financial security. 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

At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, our Racine worker’s compensation attorneys have the professional skills and legal expertise that you can rely on. If you or someone you know was hurt on the job, we are more than ready to get started on your case. Contact the Racine worker’s compensation attorneys now for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your case. We represent injured workers throughout Racine County, including in Racine, Burlington, Caledonia. Elmwood Park, North Bay, Raymond, Rochester, and Union Grove.