Medical Expenses

If you have been injured, you are entitled to Wisconsin workers’ compensation benefits that are designed to provide compensation for necessary and reasonable medical expenses, including:

• Doctor bills
• Hospital expenses
• Prescriptions
• Medical and surgical supplies
• Crutches
• Artificial limbs
• Rehabilitative therapy
• Wage loss and traveling expenses

Who is responsible for paying my medical expenses?

Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier is responsible for paying all necessary and reasonable medical expenses incurred as the result of injuries sustained in a workplace accident. However, should you fail to report your work injury to your employer within two years, you may be disqualified from receiving any benefits and would be responsible for paying all medical expenses yourself. There is no time limit on reporting a work-related illness or disease.

May I choose my own doctor?

You always have the right to choose your own doctor. However, if the situation is urgent, your employer may make necessary arrangements to immediately treat your injuries. Once the emergency has passed, you have the right to choose to remain under the employer’s selected physician or choose another for future treatment.

In the event that you are unhappy with the treatment you receive from your first doctor, you are entitled to a second choice. However, you must notify your employer of your decision to switch physicians. Failure to do so could result in a disputed claim, disqualifying you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. You would end up having to pay the entire cost of medical treatment yourself.

If you feel your right to choose your own doctor has been neglected or violated, contact Lisa Pierobon Mays at (608) 257-0440.