Beaver Dam Workers Compensation Lawyers in Dodge County

Most employees injured on the job are eligible to receive worker’s compensation benefits that must be paid even if the injury was the fault of the injured employee. Employers and insurance providers are required to pay benefits in a timely manner but all too often injured employees are denied benefits because they are unaware of their rights and/or the employer simply chooses to ignore the injury and the requirements of the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Act. Attorney Pretto has been representing injured workers for over 30 years in worker’s compensation matters and he can help you understand your rights and obtain the benefits you deserve.

What to Do After a Workplace Injury

If you know what to do after a workplace injury, you can better protect your right to fair compensation. Here are the steps you need to know:

• If you are hurt at work or become ill because of what you think may be a work-related exposure:
  • Immediately report your accident or ailment to your supervisor. Continue to keep your employer informed about any changes in your injury and especially your ability to work or need to miss work.
  • Seek appropriate first aid and medical attention.

Delays can affect your recovery but also impact your eligibility for compensation benefits.

• Your employer is required to report the injury to its insurance company or internal claims office who is required to report the injury to the Worker’s Compensation Division.

You are not required to file a claim yourself but if you suspect the employer has not reported the injury, you can self-report to the Worker’s Compensation Division.

• The costs for your reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be promptly paid. If you miss more than three days of work due to the injury, you should receive compensation for lost wages. Worker’s Compensation also provides benefits to dependents of workers who die after work-related accidents. If your injury or illness is payable under the law you should get a check from the insurance company or from your employer – usually within 14 days after your injury.

• It is important that you make every effort to return to work, within medical restrictions, after an injury. Your employer and your practitioner must agree to your returning to some form of work; it is important that you talk to them about returning. If you cannot return at all because of your injury, other options may be available.

When to Contact a Worker’s Compensation Attorney

Consider contacting an attorney if:

• Your employer threatens or otherwise tries to dissuade you from filing a claim.
• The insurance provider delays paying you or your medical bills for an unreasonable period of time.
• The insurance provider or employer encourages you to stop or alter medical treatment that is recommended by your doctor.
• Your employer or the insurance provider encourages you to go back to work before you are given permission to do so by your doctor.
• The insurance provider denies your valid claim for compensation.
• You believe a third party may have contributed to your injury.
• You are fired or “let go” soon are reporting an injury or your return to work.
• You want to talk to someone who knows the law to help you understand your situation.

At Gergen, Gergen and Pretto, S.C., we understand that many injured workers are intimidated by the workers compensation process. If you are concerned about your ability to secure fair compensation after any workplace injury or just want to better understand your situation, contact Attorney Pretto at our office in Beaver Dam.