Medical Benefits
You are entitled to medical, surgical, chiropractic, psychological, podiatric, dental, and hospital treatment, “as may be reasonably required to cure and relieve the effects of the injury.”
Damage or destruction of hearing aids and eyeglasses is compensable if the damage resulted from an accident that causes personal injury to you.
All compensation and medical payments are based on medical information from your treating practitioner. If your practitioner does not make prompt and regular reports to your employer, your payments may be delayed.
Wage Benefits
Benefits are equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wage and are non-taxable. Benefits are payable until you reach a healing plateau. The average weekly wage is subject to statutory maximums which are increased periodically. The most recent maximum weekly benefit amount can be found in the Maximum Wage and Rate Chart (publication WKC-9572-P from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development).
Vocational Retraining Benefits
If your medical practitioner determines that you have permanent restrictions and are unable to return to your job, you may be eligible for vocational retraining. If enrolled and participating in a qualifying program of vocational retraining and/or on-the-job training you may be eligible for additional Temporary Total Disability benefits for at least the first 80 weeks and payment for certain expenses such as travel, lodging, and meals.
Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)
In order to determine compensation, you may be required to undergo an IME by a practitioner selected by your WC claims examiner. You will be notified in writing as to date, time, place and name of the practitioner. If applicable, you will be reimbursed for full wage replacement and mileage to attend this examination. A copy of the IME report will be provided to you.
Mileage
You are eligible to be reimbursed for mileage for travel to obtain reasonable medical treatment. The rate of reimbursement is set by the Department of Workforce Development. Submit your mileage to the Worker’s Compensation Coordinator and it will be sent to the Claims Examiner for payment.
Return to Work (RTW)
UW has a commitment to an effective return to work program. Once the medical provider has released you to work with restrictions, contact your supervisor to determine if restrictions can be accommodated, either on a light duty or alternate basis. Most campuses have a RTW program. See your Campus WC coordinator for more detail. If you refuse to return to work once temporary restrictions can be accommodated you will forfeit the right to continued disability benefits.