How Long After a Workplace Injury Can You File For Workers’ Compensation In Wisconsin?

When a workplace injury occurs, the last thing most employees want to worry about is navigating deadlines and paperwork. However, in Wisconsin, acting promptly after a workplace injury is not just important — it’s critical to preserving your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Failing to report your injury or file a claim within the required timeframes could result in delayed benefits, denied claims, or even a complete loss of eligibility.

At Bosshard Parke, with offices in La Crosse and Sparta, we are committed to helping injured workers understand their rights and meet all legal requirements to secure the compensation they deserve.

Reporting Your Injury

Wisconsin law requires that employees notify their employer of a workplace injury as soon as possible. While there is no specific number of days written into the statute for reporting an injury, the expectation is clear: delays in reporting could raise questions about the legitimacy of the claim and jeopardize your benefits.

Practically speaking, you should report the injury to your supervisor, HR department, or employer immediately after it happens — or as soon as you become aware of it. This is especially important for injuries that develop over time, such as repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome) or occupational illnesses.

Many employers have internal policies that require injury reporting within 24 to 48 hours. Failing to comply with these policies could complicate your case, even if you are still within your legal rights under state law.

Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim – Statute Of Limitations

In Wisconsin, the formal deadline for filing a workers’ compensation claim is relatively generous compared to some states — but waiting too long is still a mistake.

The statute of limitations to file a workers’ compensation claim in Wisconsin is generally six years from the date of injury or the date that compensation (wage loss, medical expenses, etc.) was last paid, whichever is later. In cases involving occupational diseases, this timeline may extend up to 12 years under certain circumstances.

However, it is important to understand that waiting months or years to file can significantly weaken your case. Evidence can be lost, medical documentation can become harder to obtain, and employer defenses can become stronger over time. Prompt action helps ensure that your injury is properly documented and that your benefits are paid without unnecessary delay.

Why Acting Promptly Matters

Beyond meeting basic legal deadlines, there are several important reasons to act quickly after a workplace injury:

• Evidence Preservation: Witness memories fade, and key evidence (such as equipment malfunctions or unsafe conditions) may be repaired or removed if not documented immediately.
• Medical Documentation: A clear link between your injury and your work activities is easier to establish when you seek medical treatment right away.
• Employer Cooperation: Employers and insurance carriers are generally more cooperative when injuries are reported and addressed promptly.
• Benefit Timeliness: Filing early can speed up access to critical benefits such as medical care coverage, wage replacement (temporary disability), and, if necessary, vocational retraining.

Common Pitfalls To Avoid

Workers sometimes delay reporting or filing a claim because they believe:

• The injury is minor and will heal on its own.
• They are worried about retaliation or job loss.
• They are unsure whether the injury qualifies for workers’ compensation.
• They are unfamiliar with the process and feel overwhelmed.
  

Unfortunately, these delays can cause major problems later. Even if you think your injury is minor, or if you are uncertain whether it qualifies, you should still report it and seek guidance from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

How Bosshard Parke Can Help

If you have been injured at work in La Crosse, Sparta, or the surrounding areas, the team at Bosshard Parke is here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process.

We can help ensure:

• Your injury is properly documented and reported.
• Your claim is filed correctly and within all legal timeframes.
• You receive the full benefits you are entitled to under Wisconsin law.

Do not wait to take action after a workplace injury. Your health, your job, and your financial security may depend on it.

Contact Bosshard Parke today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys. We are committed to helping you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, please consult an attorney at Bosshard Parke.