Category Archives: Workers Compensation
Badger Bounce Back
On Monday, April 20, 2020, Governor Evers announced the Badger Bounce Back Plan (the Plan) to begin to re-open Wisconsin’s economy. The plan is based on the similar guidelines issued by President Trump last week. The Plan is broken into … Read more
Ratings Bureau Update
On March 30, 2020, the Worker’s Compensation Ratings Bureau released its Circular Letter addressing new issues that impact Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Insurance Carriers and Employers. One specific issue we felt should be highlighted is how premiums paid by Employers would … Read more
Safer at Home Extended
On April 16, 2020, Governor Evers extended his “Safer at Home” order through May 26, 2020. The previous order was set to expire next week, on April 24, 2020. The extension also included some changes, these include: Public libraries may … Read more
New WI Law for COVID-19
On April 15, 2020, the Governor Evers signed 2019 ASSEMBLY BILL 1038. This law has a key provision for Work Comp claims: It creates a rebuttable presumption that injury caused to first responders during COVID-19 is caused by employment. Here … Read more
Telephonic Appearances Extended
OWCH has extended the conversion of in-person hearings to telephone settlement conferences for the immediate future.
How Important is an Accurate Medical History?
Smith v. Zielles Tress Serv., Inc. – LIRC Decided October 14, 2019. Facts: Applicant told his treating doctors that he had no prior shoulder issues when treating for an allegedly work-related shoulder injury. Medical records showed Applicant had serious preexisting … Read more
The Overlap of the FFCRA, Unemployment, and Work Comp in Wisconsin.
COVID-19 update: Today, 3/31/20, is the last day for employers to lay off employees prior to FFCRA becoming effective. A few key points for Wisconsin employers and worker’s compensation carriers: Question #1: If an employee is laid off today (or … Read more
Third Party Attorney Fees: Is Recovery Limited by the Insurance Policy?
Kasal v. Stryker – Court of Appeals Decided March 17, 2020. Facts: Applicant worked for Aurora Healthcare and was injured in 2016 when a product made by Stryker Industries broke. Sentry represented Aurora Healthcare and paid worker’s compensation benefits to Applicant … Read more
General Guidelines for Temporary Partial Disability Computations
Given today’s unprecedented actions by Gov. Evers and the subsequent decisions Wisconsin business are making, here is some guidance from DWD that may be useful in explaining when TTD is owed vs. when UI benefits can be claimed. Plant shutdown-compulsory … Read more
Families First Coronavirus response Act (FFCRA)
President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) into law on March 18, 2020. This has the potential to significantly impact small and mid-size employers. The FFCRA requires employers with less than 500 employees to provide sick benefits … Read more