County of Dane v. Labor & Industry Review Commission

# County of Dane v. Labor & Industry Review Commission ## What Happened An injured worker employed by Dane County sustained a workplace injury that caused a permanent limp. The worker filed a claim for a disfigurement award—extra compensation for permanent scarring or visible injury—based on this limp. ## What the Court Decided The court sided with the worker and the Labor & Industry Review Commission (LIRC), which had previously approved the disfigurement award. The court upheld LIRC's decision and agreed that a limp qualifies as a compensable disfigurement under Wisconsin law. ## Why This Matters for Workers This ruling clarifies that visible, permanent injuries affecting how you walk or move can qualify for additional compensation beyond basic medical expenses and lost wages. Workers who suffer lasting physical changes from workplace accidents may be entitled to extra payments to reflect the permanent impact on their appearance and mobility. This case strengthens protections for injured employees seeking fair compensation for lasting workplace injuries.