Our bodies are marvels of engineering, but even the most impressive machines succumb to wear and tear with constant use. For individuals whose jobs involve repetitive movements that strain the same joints day in and day out, the risk of needing a joint replacement becomes a looming concern. Let’s explore the connection between repetitive work activities and the potential need for joint replacements. The delicate dance of joints: When movement becomes mayhem The human body relies on a symphony of smoothly functioning joints for mobility. These intricate structures, where bones meet, are cushion ..read more

For many workers, construction is a fulfilling and lucrative field of work. Some are called to this profession to work with their hands and have the reward of seeing a project to completion while others may follow in the footsteps of mentors and loved ones. Whatever brought you to this line of work, you likely know that there are many hazards that come with the job. These hazards can lead to serious injuries. One of the more common types of injuries in this line of work are back injuries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders from overexer ..read more

Recovering from a workplace injury requires more than just healing physical injuries. These accidents can also impact the workers’ mental health. It is not uncommon for physical injuries at work to lead to psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If a healthcare professional deems psychological care necessary due to a work-related physical injury, Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system may cover the costs for such treatment. How does an injured worker claim psychological care benefits? After sustaining a physical workplace injury, employ ..read more

Is a joint replacement work-related? If you need a shoulder, hip or knee replacement, you may be wondering if it should be covered by workers’ comp. The first question is whether the condition was caused by your work. In many cases, the answer is a resounding YES. First, if there was a specific injury that caused the damage, and a doctor supports that opinion, the joint replacement is compensable. Even if the joint was already in a bad condition, if a work injury aggravated, accelerated and precipitated the joint’s condition beyond normal progression, the claim is compensable. For example, if ..read more

The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Announces Induction of Charlie Domer as Fellow The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers is proud to announce the induction of Charlie Domer of Domer Law as a new Fellow.  Election as a Fellow is the highest recognition of ones colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence. The annual installation of Fellows was held March 16, 2024 in Chicago, IL.  The College was established in 2007 and operates as a free standing organization recognizing those who, by long and outs ..read more

Laid off workers with permanent limitations could pursue LOEC News just hit about a large company layoff: Conagra Brands Closing Beaver Dams Facility, more than 250 to Lose Jobs (Journal Sentinel, April 9, 2024).  When a facility shuts down (like the one in Beaver Dam), some workers with previous work injuries may have further claims to pursue. Specifically, if a worker had returned to work with permanent limitations that the employer was accommodating, but then the employer later laid them off, some workers can pursue a loss of earning capacity claim under the Wisconsin Worker’s Com ..read more

Governor Signs Work Comp Advisory Council Bill Governor Tony Evers, on Friday, March 22, 2023, signed a new bill impacting worker’s compensation benefits. The new law (2023 WI Act 213) comes from the Wisconsin worker’s compensation advisory council.  The Council is the group of labor and management members (and insurance industry advisors) that meet and collectively agree to reasoned, vetted, and incremental changes to the worker’s compensation system.  The Council then produces an Agreed-Upon bill to send to the legislature for approval. This process has made Wisconsin a gold standa ..read more

Understanding your rights to fair compensation after a workplace injury is crucial. While trying to recover from an injury (and dealing with the physical pain and psychological stress), workers often find themselves fighting against a complex worker’s compensation system. This blog sheds light on the hurdles you or a loved one might face and how to overcome them. Some common roadblocks After a job-related injury, your financial stability can take a hit due to lost wages. Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to cover about 2/3s of these wages (as a tax free benefit), but sometim ..read more

Once the exclusive purview of the United States Postal Service, private delivery companies have taken over the streets of cities and states throughout the nation. Companies such as Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other providers have grown in prominence with promises of quick service. However, with growth and success comes staff issues, specifically overworked drivers traveling from house to house. The particularly daunting task considering the holiday season creates pressure to make timely deliveries becomes daunting at best. Overwork sets in, with fatigue following soon after. The convergence increa ..read more

Deciding whether to undergo surgery for a back injury you sustained at work can depend on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the specific condition involved and your overall health. Surgery is usually considered only after more conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, fail. However, sometimes, surgery makes much more sense. For example, if your injury caused you to be constantly in pain and affects your daily living, the pain could indicate something is wrong. In these situations, surgery may be the best option for your recovery. Severe nerve compre ..read more