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Workplace falls are among the top causes of job-related injuries in Iowa. Whether you slip on ice or snow in the parking lot, lose footing on a slick floor, or trip over a workplace hazard, these incidents are all classified as work injuries under Iowa's workers' compensation laws. Unlike personal injury cases, Iowa workers' compensation does not consider comparative fault, meaning that even if you were partially responsible for the fall, you are still eligible for benefits.
Determine if Your Fall Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation
There is a key exception, unexplained falls from one level surface to another are generally not considered work-related. For example, if you are walking down a hallway at a normal pace, not in a rush, and trip over your own feet on a flat floor without any identifiable hazard, the workers’ compensation insurance company will likely deny your claim.
To qualify as a work-related injury, there must be an increased risk of injury directly related to your job. For example, if you fell while hurrying to assist a coworker, navigating stairs, or slipping on a slick substance that was present on the floor and detectable after your fall, your injury is more likely to be covered under Iowa workers’ compensation laws.
In most cases, if you are performing your job duties and a workplace condition causes you to fall, your injury should be covered under Iowa workers’ compensation. No matter how or why the fall occurred, it is crucial to report the injury immediately and seek medical care if needed. Prompt reporting helps protect your rights and ensures you receive the benefits you deserve.
Types of Injuries Caused by Falls
Work injuries caused by falls can lead to a wide range of injuries, with shoulder injuries being among the most common. Many workers instinctively try to catch themselves by grabbing onto something or extending their arms to break the fall.
Arm Injuries
This can result in serious injuries such as shoulder dislocations, torn rotator cuffs, or fractures to the wrist, arm, or shoulder. Unfortunately, some workers may feel embarrassed after falling and hesitate to seek medical attention. However, it is essential to report the injury and get the necessary treatment to prevent further complications.
Even if you don’t initially feel injured, it’s important to report the work fall to your employer immediately. Injuries can take time to appear, and if you wait several days before realizing you are hurt, the workers’ compensation insurance company may question your claim and deny coverage. Reporting the incident right away helps protect your rights and ensures you receive the benefits you may need.
Another common issue is when workers wait until after the weekend to report a fall at work. This delay can raise suspicion with the workers’ compensation insurance company, leading them to assume the injury occurred outside of work over the weekend. To avoid potential claim denials, it’s always best to report a workplace fall immediately, even if you’re unsure about the extent of your injuries.
Head Injuries
Another common workplace injury is a concussion, which occurs when a worker hits their head during a fall. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and while most heal within a few weeks, some can have lasting effects.
Another injury that we see often is a concussion when a worker hits their head. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury and thankfully, they usually heal within a few weeks, but not always.
If you fall and hit your head, it is crucial to report the injury immediately and seek medical evaluation from on-site medical personnel, urgent care, or the emergency room. Delaying medical attention can give the workers’ compensation insurance company a reason to question the severity of your injury or even deny your claim. Prompt reporting and treatment help protect your health and ensure you receive the benefits you may need.
Failing to seek medical care can give the workers’ compensation insurance company a reason to question the seriousness of your injury. They may argue that if you were truly hurt, you would have sought immediate treatment. Avoid this unnecessary complication by reporting the fall right away and specifically noting if you struck your head. Taking these steps ensures your injury is properly documented and helps protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Contacting a Work Injury Lawyer in Iowa
To learn more about Iowa work injuries, including how you can avoid 7 Deadly Mistakes, then request a copy of Iowa Workers’ Compensation Guide- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries. Our book includes the Iowa Injured Workers’ Bill of Rights and much more.
We offer our book at no cost to you because we have seen too many hardworking medical providers and other Iowa workers get taken advantage of by greedy insurance companies. There is no risk and your information will remain confidential so claim your copy now before you make a costly mistake in your work injury case. Finally, you can learn about Iowa work injury laws in the comfort of your own home. If you need immediate assistance, call us at 641-792-3595 (phones are answered 24/7) or Contact Us Here.
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