Workers’ compensation is a special type of insurance that covers workplace injuries and illnesses. Its laws can be quite complex, so many people find themselves confused when they need to make a claim. Here are just a few facts about workers’ comp that can de-mystify the process for you.
1. Lost wages have a limit.
In Wisconsin, lost wages are usually paid out as 2/3rds of a person’s average annual salary. They’re also limited by how your injuries or disabilities are categorized by law. There’s “temporary” and “permanent,” and there’s “partial” and “total.” It can be tricky to calculate exact amounts relating to, say, workers comp permanent partial disability settlement amounts in Wisconsin.
2. You must seek medical attention from an approved doctor.
Since workers’ compensation insurance is paid for by your employer, you’ll need to find a physician within their insurance network to get reimbursed for things like meds, surgery, and physical therapy. However, there are exceptions for emergencies. You can also ask a Franklin workers’ compensation lawyer to fight this for you.
3. Some workers aren’t covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
While almost all “employees” are covered by workers’ comp, the law makes a distinction for those considered “independent contractors.” If you get a 1099 tax form rather than a W2 tax form, you’re legally considered an independent contractor.
These are just a few important things to know about workers’ compensation insurance. If you have any questions about benefits, employer-approved physicians, or workers comp permanent partial disability settlement amounts in Wisconsin, reach out to a Franklin workers compensation lawyer. You can talk to one right now at Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf.