Wisconsin 2018 Maximum Workers' Compensation Benefits for Police Officers

What Wisconsin Police Officers Could Receive in 2018 Workers' Comp

In 2018, Wisconsin limited workers' compensation benefits for law‑enforcement officers to a maximum weekly wage‑replacement amount of $1,200, a cap on medical expenses of $5,000 per claim, and a lifetime total benefits ceiling of $100,000 for permanent total disability. These limits applied to officers injured on the job, whether the injury was a physical trauma or an occupational disease such as PTSD.

Key Components of the 2018 Compensation Formula

Workers' comp in Wisconsin follows a three‑part structure: wage replacement, medical reimbursement, and disability payouts. The state sets statutory caps that apply to all claimants, but officers often have additional collective‑ bargaining agreements that may supplement the base benefits.

Weekly Wage‑Replacement

The weekly benefit equals two‑thirds of the employee's average weekly wage (AWW), up to the statutory maximum of $1,200. For example, an officer earning $3,000 per week would receive $2,000 (two‑thirds) but the state caps it at $1,200.

Medical Expense Limits

Medical costs are reimbursed up to $5,000 per claim. Any expenses beyond that amount must be covered by the employer or the officer's personal insurance.

Disability and Lifetime Caps

Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are limited to a lifetime total of $100,000. Partial disability benefits are calculated as a percentage of the AWW, subject to the same $1,200 weekly ceiling.

How the Caps Compare to Other States

Wisconsin's caps are modest compared with neighboring states. For reference:

Special Considerations for Law‑Enforcement Officers

Police departments often negotiate supplemental benefits through union contracts. In 2018, many Wisconsin departments added:

• Additional medical reimbursement up to $10,000 per claim.
• An extra $25,000 PTD supplement after the state‑mandated $100,000 limit.
• Accelerated wage‑replacement for the first 13 weeks of disability.

These supplements are not part of the statutory caps but are enforceable under collective‑ bargaining agreements.

Filing a Claim and Appeal Process

Officers must report injuries within 30 days to their employer and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The DWD reviews the claim, determines eligibility, and issues a benefits award. If an officer disagrees with the determination, they can request a hearing before the Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Appeals Board within 45 days of the award notice.

Why Understanding the 2018 Caps Still Matters

Although the numbers have been adjusted for inflation in subsequent years, the 2018 framework establishes the baseline for current benefits. Knowing the historic caps helps officers and administrators track changes, evaluate the adequacy of supplemental agreements, and advocate for policy updates.