Lawyers Who Play an Active Role in Advocating for Workers' Rights
Every two years, an organization of representatives appointed by the governor from both labor and management meets to discuss changes to Wisconsin workers' compensation law. This body, the Worker's Compensation Advisory Council, negotiates recommended changes in the law, and the state legislature generally implements the council's recommendations.
At Stafford, Neal & Soule, S.C., we pay close attention to this process. Attorneys John D. Neal and David L. Weir, members of our firm, are frequently called upon to advise the labor representatives on the Worker's Compensation Advisory Council and have played a key role in advocating for the legal rights of injured workers.
Understanding How the Latest Amendments Affect Workers
The most recent amendment to the Wisconsin workers' compensation law went into effect on May 1, 2010. The following are some of the major changes that were implemented in this bill:
- Permanent partial disability: The rates used to calculate permanent partial disability benefits have been increased and will automatically increase again on May 1, 2011.
- Supplemental benefits: These benefits operate like a cost-of-living increase for people on total disability. The rates used to calculate them have been substantially increased.
- Emergency responders: Ambulance drivers, firefighters and other emergency responders are now covered by workers' compensation if they are injured while traveling to their stations in response to emergency calls.
- Burial expenses: The funeral expense benefits paid to the families of workers who have died due to workplace injuries have now been increased.
- Criminal convictions: Workers receiving temporary disability benefits who are convicted of crimes and incarcerated, if their employers have light-duty work otherwise available for them, will now have their benefits suspended while they are in jail.
Our attorneys are dedicated to paying close attention to the latest developments in Madison and in courts throughout the state that affect injured workers. For a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you with your case, call us at 608-251-6045 or send us an e-mail.
