When you are injured at work you may be entitled to benefits under Wisconsin’s Workers’ Compensation Law, including money paid to you by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. People often wonder what types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation.

            Physical Injuries

            The most common injury employees consider when filing a workers’ compensation claim is a physical injury caused by an accident at work. For example, a construction worker trips at work and breaks his or her arm.  This type of injury, a physical injury caused by a single event, is what most employees consider for a Workers’ Compensation claim.

            There are other physical injuries that may also be compensable under Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Law. An accident causing an aggravation and acceleration of a pre-existing condition may entitle an employee to benefits, for example, a bad knee getting substantially worse due to an accident at work.  An occupational injury or disease caused over time that is acquired as a result of working in an industry may entitle an employee to benefits, for example silicosis, which is a lung disease common in miners. 

            It is important for employees to recognize that not only single-event accidents, but also occupational hazards may entitle them to workers’ compensation benefits.

            Mental Injuries

            Employees who have suffered mental injuries caused by a work-related accident or disease may also be entitled to benefits.  A common mental injury that entitles employees to benefits is post-traumatic mental injuries.  For example, an employee suffers a substantial work-related traumatic physical injury and suffers from post-traumatic mental injuries resulting from the physical injury.  However, it is not necessary to have physical injuries to be compensated for a work-related mental injury.  If you have a mental injury that is work-related you should consult with an attorney to see if you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP in Reedsburg has a professional attorney who specializes in representing clients in Workers’ Compensation matters. You can make an appointment to meet with Maximilian Buckner by calling the LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP offices Monday through Friday during regular business hours at 608-524-8231. For more information, and to become familiar with our other experienced attorneys, please also see our website, lgtlawfirm.com.