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On May 20, 2026, the Wisconsin Workers Compensation Program announced a series of significant changes aimed at improving support for injured workers throughout the state. The overhaul comes after years of criticism and calls for reform from labor unions, advocacy groups, and injured workers themselves.One of the most significant changes is the establishment of a new ombudsman office dedicated to assisting injured workers navigate the often complex and confusing workers' compensation system. The office will provide guidance, support, and advocacy for workers who are struggling to access benefits or who feel they have experienced unfair treatment at the hands of their employers or insurance companies.Additionally, the program will now offer more robust vocational rehabilitation services to help injured workers re-enter the workforce and regain financial independence. This includes job training, job placement assistance, and other support services to help workers transition back to work safely and successfully.Another key change is the implementation of a new system for determining disability ratings. The program will now utilize a more comprehensive and standardized approach to assessing the extent of a worker's injury and its impact on their ability to work. This new system aims to ensure that workers receive fair and accurate compensation for their injuries.These changes are part of a broader effort to create a more equitable and supportive workers' compensation system in Wisconsin. Governor Lauren Thompson, who has championed these reforms, emphasized the importance of protecting and supporting injured workers in their time of need."We owe it to our workers to provide them with the support and assistance they need to recover from their injuries and get back on their feet," Governor Thompson said in a statement. "These changes are a step in the right direction towards a more just and compassionate workers' compensation system in our state."The Wisconsin Workers Compensation Program is expected to roll out these changes in the coming months, with the goal of fully implementing the new policies by the end of the year. In the meantime, injured workers and their advocates are encouraged to reach out to the program for more information on how these changes will impact them and their cases.