First Workers' Compensation Law

Wisconsin's Workmen's Compensation Act of 1911 assured victims of work-related accidents or illnesses just compensation regardless of fault. Enacted on May 3, 1911, it made Wisconsin the first state to have a constitutional system providing medical expenses, wage loss payments, or death benefits to employees or their families. The law was regarded as a pioneering act of social legislation and a major accomplishment of Wisconsin's progressive movement. On September 1, 1911, when the law became fully effective, a mutual insurance company began operations in a one-room office in downtown Wausau. Formed by a group of central Wisconsin businessmen to meet their responsibilities under the new law, the company is today known throughout the world as Wausau Insurance Companies. The first policy issued by the new insurer was purchased by the Mosinee Paper Corporation, then known as Wausau Sulphate Fibre Company, and that contract is recognized as the nation's first valid workers' compensation policy.

Wausau, Wisconsin · United States