Workers' Compensation: Wisconsin

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Nicole Farley, Fisher Phillips.

Summary

• Most Wisconsin employers are required to obtain workers' compensation coverage and can do so through private insurance carriers or by self-insuring against their exposure to workers' compensation claims. See Covered Employers.
• Most employees are covered by workers' compensation insurance, with a few unique exceptions. See Covered Employees.
• Workers' compensation pays for injuries that occur on the job as well as occupational diseases caused by exposure at work over a period of time. See Compensable Injuries.
• Employers or their insurance carriers may not be liable for injuries incurred under certain circumstances. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation Claims.
• Workers' compensation pays for all medical treatment necessitated by a work-related injury or illness. See Medical Benefits.
• Wage-replacement benefits, determined by the type of injury and the average weekly wage, are also covered by workers' compensation insurance. See Other Benefits.
• Employers may not retaliate against workers who file workers' compensation claims. See Retaliation and Interference.
• Disputed claims go through an administrative procedure. Either party can appeal a decision by an administrative judge. See Administrative Hearings and Court Proceedings.