If you work in Wisconsin, you may be aware that a workers’ compensation program exists and that this program is designed to help people if they are hurt while at work. The benefits available under workers’ compensation may include financial compensation for time lost from work as well as medical treatment for any injuries. An employee has very specific rights granted by the workers’ compensation program and every worker should know these.
As explained by the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, when it comes to medical care, an employee has the right to choose their health care provider. This choice is allowed for a first or second choice if the provider is within the state of Wisconsin. The employee may also choose an out-of-state provider without prior approval from the insurer if they are referred to that provider by another provider, if the need for care is an emergency or if the out-of-state physician is part of the same practice as the in-state physician.
An employee should know that even if their actions led to the injury, they may still have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. The exceptions to this would be if the injury resulted from the employee’s inappropriate or violent behavior, if they were off duty and volunteering their time or if they intended to cause the harm.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but instead meant to give people employed in Wisconsin an overview of their rights under state law should they become injured on the job or due to a work-related situation or environment.
