Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Wisconsin workers' comp attorneys who handle claims before the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Worker's Compensation Division. From paper-mill and manufacturing work in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee area, to dairy and agriculture statewide, to construction and trades across Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, we'll match you with the right attorney at no cost to get started.

Notice to the employer within 30 days under Wis. Stat. § 102.12. The hearing application must be filed within 2 years of injury for traumatic injuries, and within 12 years for occupational disease, under § 102.17 — one of the more generous occupational-disease SOLs in the country.

You do. Wisconsin is an employee-choice state under Wis. Stat. § 102.42(2) — workers pick their own treating physician, with up to two changes for good cause without insurer approval.

Wisconsin caps workers' comp attorney fees at 20% of contested benefits under Wis. Stat. § 102.26. Third-party tort claims run on standard 33%–40% contingency outside the comp system.

Generally no — exclusive remedy under Wis. Stat. § 102.03(2). Narrow intentional-injury exception. Third-party claims against non-employers (equipment makers, contractors, negligent drivers) are not barred.

Wisconsin uses minimum statutory PPD ratings for specific surgeries and injuries under Wis. Stat. § 102.52 and DWD Ch. 80 — for example, a lumbar fusion has a minimum 10% whole-body rating regardless of AMA. This often produces better outcomes than pure-AMA states.

Medical treatment, TTD at 66 2/3% of AWW (capped), permanent partial disability based on statutory schedule and impairment rating, permanent total disability, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits.

Wisconsin recognizes retaliation under Wis. Stat. § 102.35(3) for terminating or refusing to rehire an employee due to a workers' comp claim. Penalty includes back pay equivalent to one year's wages — separate from comp benefits.

Why Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's Worker's Compensation Act (Wis. Stat. Ch. 102) is administered by the Department of Workforce Development's Worker's Compensation Division. TTD pays 66 2/3% of AWW under Wis. Stat. § 102.43. Wisconsin is an employee-choice doctor state under Wis. Stat. § 102.42(2) — workers pick their own treating physician, with up to two changes for good cause. Wisconsin uses minimum statutory PPD ratings for specific body parts under § 102.55, often producing better outcomes than pure-AMA states. Attorney fees are capped at 20% of contested benefits under Wis. Stat. § 102.26. The state's manufacturing footprint — Harley-Davidson, Kohler, Oshkosh, Mercury Marine, Briggs & Stratton, Snap-on, and the Fox Valley paper-mill industry — drives serious claims. Dairy, food processing (Kraft Heinz, Schreiber Foods), and agricultural work add cumulative-trauma and machinery exposures. An experienced Wisconsin attorney secures the right impairment rating, navigates the LIRC appeal process, and preserves third-party claims.

When Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Wisconsin?

Our network includes Wisconsin workers' compensation attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Workers' Compensation Cases in Wisconsin

From the moment you connect with a Wisconsin workers' compensation attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Missing the 30-day notice or 2-year/12-year filing deadlines under §§ 102.12, 102.17

Failing to exercise the employee-choice doctor right under § 102.42(2)

Accepting a PPD rating below the statutory minimum under § 102.52 / DWD Ch. 80

Settling before reaching MMI and addressing future medical needs

Failing to pursue the § 102.35(3) unreasonable-refusal-to-rehire penalty

Missing a § 102.29 third-party claim against equipment makers, contractors, or at-fault drivers

Missing the 30-day notice or 2-year/12-year filing deadlines under §§ 102.12, 102.17

Failing to exercise the employee-choice doctor right under § 102.42(2)

Accepting a PPD rating below the statutory minimum under § 102.52 / DWD Ch. 80

Settling before reaching MMI and addressing future medical needs

Failing to pursue the § 102.35(3) unreasonable-refusal-to-rehire penalty

Missing a § 102.29 third-party claim against equipment makers, contractors, or at-fault drivers

Common Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Attorneys Cost?

20%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Wisconsin caps workers' comp attorney fees at 20% of contested benefits under Wis. Stat. § 102.26, subject to Division approval. Third-party tort claims (motor vehicle, product liability, contractor) run outside the comp system on standard 33%–40% personal-injury contingency.

What Can Your Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Compensation Include?

Medical Benefits

Reasonable and necessary medical treatment under Wis. Stat. § 102.42, including future medical when needed for the work injury.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

66 2/3% of average weekly wage under Wis. Stat. § 102.43, capped at the state-adjusted maximum.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Scheduled-member benefits under Wis. Stat. § 102.52 and DWD Ch. 80 minimum-rating schedule, multiplied by impairment percentage and PPD rate.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

Lifetime weekly benefits under § 102.44 when the worker can't return to gainful employment.

Death Benefits

Weekly benefits to surviving spouse and dependents under Wis. Stat. § 102.46, plus burial expenses.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Available under Wis. Stat. § 102.61 for workers unable to return to their previous job.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Wisconsin?

When Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Wisconsin?

Types of Workers' Compensation Cases in Wisconsin

Common Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Mistakes

How Much Do Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Compensation Include?

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