Legal Question in Workers Comp in Wisconsin

Loss of part of hand

My question is about my mother-in-law. She has worked for a factory for several years. Only misses work when using vacation days. And for her mothers funeral(which she was suspended for). Two weeks ago, she was working on her machine when it malfunctioned, cutting off her fingertips of two fingers on her left hand. (ring finger and middle finger) She has not received any workers comp. yet. She returned to work today. Supposed to have one handed duty. They put her on her same machine. Since her accident, they put a safety on the machine. This isn't a one-handed job. They gave her letter today simply stating that she shouldn't have had her hands where she did and injuries on the job are not going to be tolerated. If it happens again she will no longer work there. What are her rights? Can she receive compensation for her loss of part of her hand? They have union where she works.


Asked on 4/29/02, 10:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Martin Jenkins Martin Jenkins PLLC

Re: Loss of part of hand

If your story is accurate, it is the most awful employer misconduct I have ever heard. Have your mother-in-law contact her union shop steward immediately. If the union cannot or will not help, look in your yellow pages under lawyers and find one who advertises for worker's comp.

She is entitled to worker's compensation benefits (probably disability, medical payments, and permanent impairment, and possibly vocational rehabilitation) and the employer probably faces fines and penalties for their acts.

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Answered on 4/30/02, 9:15 pm


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