La Crosse Truck Driver Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Truck Driver Workers’ Comp Attorney in La Crosse, WI

As a truck driver, when you’ve been in an accident, you may worry about how you are going to pay your medical bills and day-to-day expenses, as you are likely recovering from your injuries and unable to work. A La Crosse truck driver workers’ comp lawyer can help you apply for the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to following a work-related accident. If you have applied and been denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision.

Hire a Truck Driver Workers’ Comp Lawyer

It can be overwhelming to experience a truck accident and fear how you can continue to provide for your family while recovering. Many people assume that the truck driver is always responsible in a truck accident, but that is rarely the case. If you’ve been in an accident, you need to hire a truck driver workers’ comp lawyer to seek the benefits you need to provide for your family. Craig Steger understands how stressful this situation can be and can represent you.

Workers’ Compensation in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers a Workers’ Compensation Dashboard that tracks workers’ compensation claims in the state across multiple industries. Within the transportation and warehousing industry, in 2023, there were a total of 2,349 claims filed by 2,249 workers. Of the claims filed, 80.4% were paid. The leading causes of claims include:

• Strain or injury
• Fall, slip, or trip
• Struck or injured by an object
• Motor vehicles

If you are injured or develop an illness while on the job, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation. If it is denied, you can appeal the decision. Workers’ compensation cases are typically heard by Administrative Law Judges from the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. If you need to appeal, your case is handled by the Labor & Industry Review Commission.

Steps in a Workers’ Compensation Claim

When you’ve been injured or become ill while performing your job functions, you can file for workers’ compensation to help cover your day-to-day expenses while you recover. There are several steps to filing a workers’ compensation claim in La Crosse. To do so, you should:

• Report the injury or illness promptly. You have 30 days to report the injury or illness to your employer, starting from the day you become injured or sick or from the date you realized that the injury or illness was a problem.
• Seek medical attention. You can choose which provider you want to see, but you must provide your employer with notifications of any restrictions as soon as you can. If the injury is life-threatening, you should contact emergency services and be seen right away.
• Follow up with your employer. Your employer is required to report your illness or injury to the insurance company within seven days.
• Listen to your doctor. If your doctor prescribes medication, rest, rehabilitation, or therapy, be sure to complete these treatments as prescribed and follow up with your doctor. Retain copies of any communication with your doctor concerning your condition and treatment.
• Get legal advice. If you don’t think your employer is following through as they are required, or the insurance denies your claim, a La Crosse truck driver workers’ comp attorney can review your case and pursue the compensation you need.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When you’re sick or injured and can’t work, you are likely overwhelmed with the stress of providing for your family while also needing to recover. Workers’ compensation offers several benefits, including:

• Medical benefits
• Wage replacement benefits
• Temporary total disability benefits
• Temporary partial disability benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Death benefits

FAQs

What Are the Main Requirements to File for Workers’ Compensation in Wisconsin?

When filing for workers’ compensation in Wisconsin, truck driver workers’ comp laws establish some requirements you must meet. You have to be a regular W-2 employee. Independent contractors do not have workers’ compensation insurance. The injury or illness must be work-related. You must notify your employer of your illness or injury promptly, usually within 30 days. Also, you need medical documentation of your injury or illness.

What Should I Not Say When Filing for Workers’ Compensation?

When filing for workers’ compensation, you should provide an accurate description of your symptoms, but there are some things you should avoid saying. Never minimize or exaggerate your symptoms. Do not offer explanations for your injury or illness. Refer to the medical information your doctor has provided. If you are unsure when asked a question, do not guess or speculate. Never speak negatively about your employer or doctor at any point in your truck driver workers’ comp case.

What Is the Most Common Work-Related Injury for Truck Drivers?

The most common types of work-related injuries for truck drivers depend on the specific type of work being completed. Spending extended hours driving, especially with poor posture, often results in back or neck strain. The repetitive motions associated with driving can result in arm, shoulder, or knee injuries. Working in hazardous weather conditions can also contribute to slip and fall accidents.

Who Is Exempt From Workers’ Compensation in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employers who are exempt from carrying workers’ compensation insurance include some independent contractors, domestic servants, and religious organizations. Otherwise, employers with 3 or more employees and those who pay more than $500 in wages quarterly are required to have workers’ compensation insurance.

What Can Void a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Several actions can void a workers’ compensation claim. If you fail to notify your employer of your sickness or injury in a timely manner, your claim could be denied. If the injury occurred while you were engaged in misconduct or reckless behavior, it may not qualify. Injuries sustained while intoxicated are not covered. If the injury or illness is the result of a pre-existing condition or has been misrepresented, the claim is likely to be denied.

Contact Craig Steger, The Trucking Lawyer

As a Class A Driver’s License holder, Craig Steger has first-hand experience driving a commercial vehicle. He understands the difficulties truck drivers face on the road. If you’ve been in a truck accident, you deserve experienced representation to pursue the benefits you need, which can cover part of your lost wages and all your medical bills. Contact Craig Steger, The Trucking Lawyer, today to schedule your initial consultation.