When workplace injuries in Green Bay involve third parties beyond your employer, victims may have additional legal options for seeking compensation. Third-party liability claims can arise when equipment manufacturers, contractors, property owners, or other entities contribute to a workplace accident through negligence or misconduct. These claims exist separately from workers' compensation and can provide additional compensation for damages not covered by workers' comp, including full lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. Common scenarios include injuries from defective machinery, accidents caused by contractors on shared worksites, vehicle accidents while performing work duties, or injuries in buildings maintained by third-party property managers. Understanding the interplay between workers' compensation and third-party claims is crucial, as these cases often involve complex liability issues and require careful coordination of benefits.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system under Wisconsin Statute § 895.045, which allows recovery as long as a plaintiff is not more than 51% at fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of injury under Wisconsin Statute § 893.54. Third-party workplace injury claims must be filed separately from workers' compensation claims, though both can proceed simultaneously. Insurance considerations typically involve the third party's liability insurance, your employer's workers' compensation insurance, and potentially your own personal injury protection coverage. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and permanent disability compensation. The Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Act does grant employers subrogation rights against any third-party recovery to recoup workers' compensation benefits paid. An experienced Green Bay workers compensation lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the complex legal claim.

When accidents occur in the workplace, understanding the type of injury is crucial for pursuing appropriate medical care and legal remedies. The following represents the most common workplace injuries seen in Green Bay's diverse industrial landscape, from its paper mills and food processing plants to healthcare facilities and construction sites.

1. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and Musculoskeletal Disorders These injuries develop gradually through repeated motions and often affect office workers, assembly line employees, and healthcare professionals who perform the same movements throughout their workday.
2. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents Particularly common during Green Bay's harsh winters, these accidents occur on wet floors, icy surfaces, or uneven walking areas and can result in serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
3. Machinery and Equipment Accidents These severe injuries typically occur in manufacturing settings and can result in life-changing consequences, often involving complex liability issues with equipment manufacturers and maintenance providers.
4. Back and Spine Injuries Frequently seen in construction, warehousing, and healthcare settings, these injuries can result from lifting, falling, or sudden movements and often lead to long-term disability claims.
5. Exposure to Harmful Substances Workers in manufacturing and industrial settings may suffer from chemical burns, respiratory problems, or skin conditions due to exposure to dangerous materials or inadequate protective equipment.
6. Vehicular Accidents These accidents occur during work-related driving or equipment operation and often involve multiple insurance policies and potential third-party claims.
7. Struck-By Injuries Common in construction and warehouse settings, these injuries occur when workers are hit by falling objects or moving equipment and can result in severe trauma.
8. Electrical Injuries Workers in construction and maintenance face risks of burns, shock, and electrocution, which can result in severe nervous system damage or fatal injuries.
9. Overexertion Injuries These injuries result from physical strain, particularly in industries requiring heavy lifting, and can lead to long-term musculoskeletal problems requiring ongoing medical care.
10. Mental Health Injuries While less visible than physical injuries, conditions like work-related PTSD and severe stress disorders can be equally debilitating and may qualify for workers' compensation benefits.

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

• Green Bay Wisconsin Construction Accident Attorney(link is external)
• Green Bay Wisconsin Crane Accident Lawyer(link is external)
• Green Bay Wisconsin Electrocution Injury Lawyer(link is external)
• Green Bay Wisconsin Power Line Accident Attorney(link is external)
• Green Bay Wisconsin Toxic Exposures Law Firm(link is external)

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Brown County Circuit Court
• Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court (Green Bay Division)

Support Services:

• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development - Worker's Compensation Division
• Brown County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• Wisconsin State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Bay Area Workforce Development Board

Legal References:

• Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Act (Chapter 102)
• Wisconsin Civil Procedure Code (Chapter 893)
• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Safety Regulations
• OSHA Region V Office (Chicago)

For immediate assistance or to report workplace hazards:

• Wisconsin OSHA Consultation Program: (800) 947-0553
• Brown County Courthouse Information: (920) 448-4400
• Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Division: (608) 266-1340

Return to the Green Bay workplace injury information page