Understanding Wisconsin's Workers' Compensation Exclusive Remedy Rule: Green Bay Workplace Injury Claims

The exclusive remedy provision within Wisconsin's workers' compensation system is a fundamental principle that significantly impacts how workplace injuries are handled in Green Bay and throughout the state. This rule generally prevents employees from suing their employers directly for work-related injuries, instead channeling these claims through the workers' compensation system. However, important exceptions exist, such as cases involving intentional harm or injuries caused by third parties not employed by the company. For workers in Green Bay's major industries, including paper manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare, understanding these provisions is crucial when workplace accidents occur. The exclusive remedy doctrine affects various aspects of injury claims, from medical treatment coverage to disability benefits, and can influence how injured workers pursue compensation for occupational illnesses, repetitive stress injuries, and acute workplace accidents.

Legal Rights and Considerations Under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 102, employees are generally required to file workers' compensation claims rather than personal injury lawsuits against their employers. Green Bay workers must report injuries to their employers within 30 days, though the statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim extends to 12 years for traumatic injuries. The Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Division oversees these claims, and employers must carry workers' compensation insurance covering medical expenses, temporary/permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. Third-party claims may still be pursued through civil litigation when entities other than the employer contribute to the injury. Benefits typically include two-thirds of average weekly wages during recovery, permanent partial disability payments, and coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment. An experienced Green Bay work injury law firm will handle all aspects of the complex legal claim.

Click the links below to learn how an experienced personal injury attorney can help with various types of workplace accidents and injuries including:

Related Resources:

  • Brown County Circuit Court 200 S. Jefferson Street Green Bay, WI 54301
  • Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Division Green Bay Service Location 744 S. Webster Avenue Green Bay, WI 54301
  • Worker's Compensation Advisory Council Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
  • Wisconsin Safety Council Green Bay Chapter
  • Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Workers' Compensation Guide for Employees
  • Legal Action of Wisconsin Green Bay Office 201 W. Walnut Street, Suite 203 Green Bay, WI 54303

Return to the Green Bay workplace injury information page

Most recent accident reports

he early hours of New Year's Day 2025 saw a significant traffic incident on Interstate 41 near Wrightstown, Wisconsin, causing major disruptions to holiday travel.

Date: 
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Roadway: 
Interstate 41
Type: Car Accident

In the early morning hours of Sunday, December 29, 2024, a serious single-vehicle accident occurred in Buchanan, Wisconsin, resulting in life-threatening injuries to a 26-year-old Brillion man.

Date: 
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Roadway: 
County Trunk Z

A serious hit-and-run collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on Saturday evening in Green Bay's east side business district, resulting in five injuries and extensive property damage.

Date: 
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Roadway: 
Main Street
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Hit and Run

In a concerning development highlighting the ongoing challenges of impaired driving enforcement, Wisconsin State Patrol officers arrested Gary Patrick Kelly, a 63-year-old Greenville resident, for his fourth

Date: 
Saturday, December 28, 2024

On the evening of December 28, Wisconsin State Patrol demonstrated their continued vigilance in combating impaired driving when they arrested David Rojas, a 37-year-old Menasha resident, for his fourth Opera

Date: 
Saturday, December 28, 2024

A tragic single-vehicle accident in the Town of Chase, Oconto County, claimed the life of a 29-year-old Pulaski man and injured a 4-year-old boy on Wednesday morning.

Date: 
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
City: 
Chase, WI
Type: Car Accident

Christmas Day Hit-and-Run Under Investigation in Kewaunee, Wisconsin

Date: 
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Hit and Run

A tragic crash in Marinette County claimed the life of 25-year-old Chase M. Cutty of Crivitz on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 7:35 p.m.

Date: 
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Type: Car Accident

 

A devastating single-vehicle collision in Lebanon Township, Waupaca County, resulted in one fatality and one serious injury on Wednesday night.

Date: 
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Roadway: 
Buelow Road
Type: Car Accident

High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Multiple Collisions, Manhunt in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin

A dramatic overnight pursuit in Fond du Lac County ended with a 35-ye

Date: 
Wednesday, December 18, 2024

 

A late-night police pursuit in Winnebago County concluded with the arrest of a suspected impaired driver operating a stolen vehicle.

Date: 
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Roadway: 
I-41

In a tragic early morning incident on Saturday, December 14, 2024, two Shawano County residents lost their lives in a severe single-vehicle crash in the Town of Lessor.

Date: 
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Roadway: 
Landstad Road

A devastating head-on collision on Highway 45 near County Highway Y in the town of Auburn, Fond du Lac County, resulted in the death of a 26-year-old West Bend man and left a 16-year-old Campbellsport girl w

Date: 
Friday, December 13, 2024
Roadway: 
Highway 45
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Head-on crash

 

A dangerous police pursuit through Fond du Lac, Wisconsin concluded with a collision and arrest on Friday afternoon. The incident began around 4 p.m.

Date: 
Friday, December 13, 2024
Type: Car Accident

 

In a dramatic incident on West Capitol Drive in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, two individuals sustained significant injuries after their vehicle crashed into a residen

Date: 
Monday, December 9, 2024
Type: Car Accident

In a tragic early morning crash on Thursday, a 59-year-old Waupun man lost his life when a northbound tractor-trailer crossed the center line of Wisconsin Highway 26 near Ripon.

Date: 
Thursday, December 5, 2024
City: 
Ripon, WI

A multi-vehicle collision occurred just before 7:45 AM on Thursday at the I-41 northbound off-ramp at West Mason Street in Green Bay, Wisconsin, prompting temporary closures and traffic diversions.

Date: 
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Roadway: 
I-41 ramp

A semi-truck carrying an oversized load struck the Highway 172 bridge on Riverside Drive in Green Bay on Monday morning, causing moderate structural damage but no injuries.

Date: 
Monday, December 2, 2024