Getting hurt on the job is no small thing. Beyond the pain of the injury itself, you’re often left wondering how you’ll pay the bills, take care of your family, and deal with all the forms and paperwork your employer or the insurance company might throw at you. It’s overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. This is where a Workers’ Compensation attorney can really help.
At Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle, LLP, we understand how hard it is to deal with an injury at work. You might feel frustrated, worried, or even unsure about what to do next. That’s totally normal. But you don’t have to handle all of this on your own. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Let’s start with the basics. Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance your employer is required to have. It’s there to help people who get hurt while doing their jobs. This can cover:
Medical Expense Coverage: All necessary and reasonable medical costs related to the injury are covered.
Wage Loss Compensation: During recovery, workers may receive payments to help cover lost wages. These come in two forms:
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Provided if the employee can work in a limited capacity during recovery.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Paid if the employee is completely unable to work during the healing process. Eligibility for these benefits requires documentation from a doctor. TTD payments are typically two-thirds of the employee’s regular wages, up to a yearly maximum set by law.
Permanent Disability Benefits: If the injury results in long-term or permanent effects, the worker may qualify for:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Awarded when the employee doesn’t fully regain their previous abilities but can still work in some capacity.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Given if the injury permanently prevents the employee from working altogether. The amount of these benefits depends on the extent of the disability and its impact on the worker’s earning potential.
Vocational Training: If the injury makes it impossible to return to the previous job, retraining or rehabilitation programs may be available to help the worker find new employment.
Death and Burial Benefits: In the event of a workplace fatality, financial support is provided to eligible dependents, along with coverage for burial expenses, up to specified limits.
The idea behind Workers’ Compensation is that you shouldn’t have to pay the price for something that happened while you were working. Unfortunately, getting what you’re entitled to isn’t always as simple as it should be. Sometimes, claims are denied, benefits are delayed, or employers and insurance companies make the process harder than it needs to be. This is where a Workers’ Compensation attorney comes in.
Why Should You Work with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
You might be asking yourself, “Can’t I just figure this out on my own?” Sure, you could try. But there are a lot of steps in the process, and mistakes can lead to delays or even losing your benefits. When you’re dealing with an injury, the last thing you need is more stress.
Here’s how a Workers’ Compensation attorney can help:
Making Sure Everything Is Filed Correctly
The Worker’s Compensation system has a lot of rules and deadlines. If you miss one of them or fill something out incorrectly, it can cause big problems for your case. An attorney knows how to handle all the paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wrong.
Standing Up for Your Rights
Sometimes employers or insurance companies may try to deny your claim, even if it’s valid. They might say your injury wasn’t work-related or try to pressure you into taking less money than you deserve. A Workers’ Compensation attorney knows what your rights are and can stand up to anyone trying to shortchange you.
Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Workers’ Compensation can cover things like doctor visits, hospital stays, therapy, medication, and even mileage for driving to medical appointments. It can also replace part of your lost wages if you can’t work. If your injury keeps you from going back to your old job, you might even qualify for retraining. An attorney makes sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
Talking to insurance adjusters can be confusing, and it’s easy to feel like they’re not really on your side. Having an attorney on your side can take this burden off your plate. They’ll handle the conversations and negotiations, so you can focus on getting better.
Preparing for the Long Term
Some injuries aren’t quick to heal. If your injury affects you for months, years, or even the rest of your life, it’s important to think about the long-term costs. A Worker’s Compensation attorney can help make sure your settlement or benefits account for future medical care or lost wages.
Common Workers’ Compensation Myths
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you might have heard things like, “You don’t need an attorney for Worker’s Compensation,” or “Your employer will handle everything for you.” While that sounds nice, it’s not always true.
Here are some common myths about Workers’ Compensation:
Myth: You can’t get benefits if the injury was your fault.
Truth: Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system. Even if you made a mistake that led to your injury, you can still qualify for benefits.
Myth: If you file a claim, you’ll lose your job.
Truth: It’s illegal for your employer to fire or punish you for filing a workers ’ compensation claim.
Myth: You don’t need an attorney unless your claim is denied.
Truth: Even if your claim is approved, an attorney can help make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Why Choose Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle, LLP?
When you’re hurt on the job, you need someone who will listen to your concerns, explain things in plain language, and make sure you’re being treated fairly. That’s exactly what we do at Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle, LLP.
We’ve helped people all over Southeastern Wisconsin get through tough times after workplace injuries. We know how the system works, and we care about making it easier for you. You’re not just another case to us—you’re a person who deserves to be heard and supported.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or you’ve been struggling to get the benefits you need, our team is here to help.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured at work and require assistance, don’t delay in seeking legal support. Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle, LLP is here to help you navigate this challenging time. With offices in Watertown, Lake Mills, and Columbus, Wisconsin, our dedicated team is ready to handle your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today at (920) 261-1630 to set up a consultation at one of our locations most convenient for you. Let us shoulder the legal burdens while you concentrate on healing.