Understanding Wisconsin's Workplace Injury Landscape

Wisconsin's workplace injury statistics reveal a concerning reality for Green Bay workers and those across the state. In 2023, private industry employers reported 56,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, creating a total recordable cases rate of 2.8 per 100 full-time workers—higher than the national average of 2.4 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Green Bay, as a manufacturing and industrial hub, contributes significantly to these numbers, with two sectors—trade, transportation, and utilities, along with manufacturing—accounting for 56% of all occupational injuries despite representing only 40% of employment according to recent state data. These statistics are particularly relevant in personal injury claims, as they demonstrate the heightened risk workers face in certain industries and how workplace accidents can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and decreased quality of life. Understanding these patterns can strengthen a worker's position when pursuing compensation through workers' compensation or potentially through third-party liability claims in more serious cases.

8 Common Types of Workplace Injury Accidents

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Includes falls on wet floors, uneven surfaces, icy walkways, stairs, or from heights such as ladders, scaffolding, or roofs, which can result in fractures, sprains, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal damage.
• Overexertion Injuries: Caused by excessive lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, or throwing, often resulting in musculoskeletal disorders including back injuries, herniated discs, muscle strains, and repetitive stress injuries.
• Struck-by Accidents: Injuries occurring when workers are hit by moving or falling objects, such as tools falling from above, swinging machinery, or vehicles in motion, potentially causing severe trauma.
• Caught-in/Between Hazards: Occurs when workers become trapped, crushed, or compressed between two objects, such as machinery parts, vehicles, or building materials, often resulting in severe crushing injuries or amputations.
• Machine-Related Injuries: Accidents involving unguarded or improperly operated machinery, including lacerations, amputations, crushing injuries, and entanglements with moving parts.
• Workplace Violence: Physical assaults, threats, or other harmful acts occurring in the workplace, which can lead to physical trauma, psychological injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Transportation and Vehicle Accidents: Injuries sustained while operating vehicles for work purposes or being struck by vehicles in work zones, including delivery drivers, construction workers, and anyone who drives as part of their job duties.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Injuries resulting from contact with toxic chemicals, dangerous fumes, radiation, or biological hazards, potentially causing burns, respiratory conditions, poisoning, or long-term health complications.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin's Worker's Compensation Act establishes important legal protections for injured workers across the state, including Green Bay. Under state law, employees have the right to receive benefits regardless of fault in workplace accidents, with employers required to carry workers' compensation insurance that covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages through Wisconsin's no-fault system. For traumatic injuries, workers must file claims within 6 years from the date of injury or last compensation payment, while occupational disease claims have a 12-year statute of limitations as specified by Wisconsin statutes.

Importantly, injured workers must report accidents to their employers within 2 years, though immediate reporting is strongly recommended for prompt access to benefits according to state guidelines. For serious injuries where third-party negligence may be involved, workers may pursue additional compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits through third-party liability claims. Available compensation can include complete medical expense coverage, temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, and death benefits for surviving dependents in fatal cases. An experienced Green Bay workplace injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Click the links below to learn more about:

• Wisconsin construction accidents
• Wisconsin crane accidents
• Wisconsin electrocution injury
• Wisconsin power line accidents
• Wisconsin toxic exposures

An experienced injury attorney can handle a wide variety of injury and accident claims including:

• Wisconsin car accidents
• Wisconsin truck collisions
• Wisconsin pedestrian accidents
• Wisconsin motorcycle accidents
• Wisconsin fatal accidents

Related Resources

Local Courts and Administrative Bodies

• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development - Worker's Compensation Division201 East Washington Avenue, PO Box 7946, Madison, WI 53707 as listed in state directory
• Green Bay Office - Division of Vocational RehabilitationFor rehabilitation services and return-to-work assistance through state vocational programs
• Brown County Circuit CourtFor cases involving third-party liability claims beyond workers' compensation

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Aurora BayCare Occupational Health and RehabilitationSpecializing in workplace injury rehabilitation and return-to-work programs offering comprehensive rehabilitation services
• Green Bay Rehabilitation HospitalProviding inpatient rehabilitative services for severe workplace injuries with specialized programs
• Wisconsin Division of Vocational RehabilitationState program assisting disabled workers return to employment offering job training and placement

Important Regulatory Information

• Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Act (Chapter 102)Comprehensive guide to worker protections and employer obligations
• OSHA Regional Office - Green Bay AreaResources for workplace safety standards and violation reporting
• Wisconsin Workers' Compensation DashboardData visualization tool for tracking injury trends and statistics maintained by the Department of Health Services

Understanding these workplace injury statistics and legal considerations is crucial for Green Bay workers seeking fair compensation following an accident. With proper knowledge of your rights and available resources, you can navigate the complex workers' compensation system more effectively while focusing on your recovery.

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