Anamosa Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal challenges following a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to help. With unwavering dedication and specialized skills, our team stands up for the rights of injured workers. We work meticulously to secure fair treatment and proper compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Hurt Working at Amazon: What Can I Do Now?

As we all know, Amazon has become the biggest online retailer in the world. Each week, they hire thousands of new employees. Sometimes drivers are hired directly by Amazon, while other times they work for subcontractors like J & K Contracting or many others. Being a driver for Amazon can be very physically demanding and dangerous work. In Iowa, you have to deal with snow and ice while delivering packages to customer homes. Additionally, you are getting into and out of the vehicle dozens of times each day.

Common Injuries for Amazon Workers

Falls

Amazon workers often sustain serious injuries from falls, including broken bones, herniated discs, concussions, and more. These falls can result from slipping on snow and ice, tripping over boxes in the back of the van, or stumbling over landscaping at a customer’s home or business.

Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic injuries occur immediately, such as lifting a heavy box above your shoulder and feeling something pop. This could be a torn rotator cuff, labrum, or other orthopedic injuries that may require surgical repair. Falls are also considered traumatic injuries. Other examples include lifting a box off the ground and experiencing sudden lower back pain radiating down one or both legs, known as sciatica. This could indicate a herniated or bulging disc in the lower back. Treatment might include pain management with epidural steroid injections or surgery, such as a laminectomy or lumbar fusion.

Cumulative Trauma

Cumulative trauma, also known as overuse syndrome, results from repetitive tasks performed hundreds of times daily, leading to injuries over time. These can include neck and back injuries from bending and lifting, knee injuries from repeatedly getting in and out of the delivery van, carpal tunnel syndrome from carrying multiple packages, and other injuries that develop gradually.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Even if your claim is denied due to a pre-existing condition, you may still be entitled to compensation if your work aggravated or accelerated the condition, causing new or worsening symptoms. Employers and insurance companies might argue that your condition is not work-related, but Iowa law recognizes both traumatic and cumulative injuries.

Navigating Denials and Seeking Compensation

Denials are common in the Iowa workers' compensation system. Big businesses and insurance companies know that many legitimate cases might not be pursued if the workers feel overwhelmed. If your claim is denied, don’t give up. Contact an experienced Iowa workers' compensation attorney to learn more about your rights and responsibilities. They can help gather your medical records and investigate your claim at no cost or risk to you.

Specific Conditions and Workers’ Compensation

Pars Defect & Workers’ Comp: Proving Job-Relatedness and Collecting Benefits

Back pain and discomfort can stem from various injuries, including pars defect or pars fracture. This condition involves a stress fracture in the lumbar spine, which may cause one vertebra to slip over another (spondylolisthesis). Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and sometimes pins and needles in a leg, accompanied by weakness or numbness.

To file a workers' compensation claim, you must establish that the injury arose from your employment. Medical records and documentation of your job tasks can help demonstrate the connection. If approved, benefits will cover medical costs and provide partial wages if the injury causes disability.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery After a Workplace Accident

Shoulder replacement surgery might be necessary if a worker suffers a severe shoulder fracture from a workplace accident. Falls onto the shoulder, such as a warehouse worker falling from a ladder, can cause such fractures. If conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or cortisone injections fail, shoulder joint replacement may be needed.

Types of shoulder replacement surgeries include:
- Implantation of a Glenoid Component: Used when rotator cuff tendons are intact.
- Stemmed Hemiarthroplasty: Replaces the ball of the humerus, suitable for severe fractures or rotator cuff tears.
- Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty: Replaces the joint surface of the humeral head, preferred for active and younger patients.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: For severe arm weakness due to torn rotator cuffs or failed previous shoulder replacements.

Workers' compensation can cover the cost of shoulder replacement surgery, including medical and disability benefits.

Iowa Workers' Compensation and Impairment Ratings

Understanding Iowa's workers' compensation laws and impairment ratings is crucial if you are injured at work. Impairment ratings affect the benefits you receive. The insurance company typically pays your impairment rating on a weekly basis, though sometimes a one-time payment is provided if a settlement is reached.

Steps to Take After Receiving an Impairment Rating

1. Medical Report Transmittal Form: Ensure this form is filled out and submitted to the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation if you suffer permanent disability or your temporary disability extends beyond 13 weeks.
2. Independent Medical Examination (IME): If you disagree with the doctor’s impairment rating, you can request an IME at the employer’s expense by submitting Form 100A along with the physician’s report.

Important Points About Impairment Ratings

1. No Signing Needed: You don't have to sign any papers to get paid for your impairment rating.
2. Be Aware of Your Entitlements: Ensure you receive more than just the impairment rating; settling prematurely could lead to significant loss of benefits.
3. Lump Sum Payments: You can obtain a lump sum payment and accrued interest while retaining the ability to pursue potential future claims.
4. Understand Your Case Type: Determine the type of benefits you should receive, whether it’s an industrial disability injury or a scheduled member injury.
5. Don't Settle Blindly: Avoid compromise settlements without fully understanding your case to prevent financial losses.
6. Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an attorney before considering any settlement offer to ensure informed decisions about your case.

Getting Legal Assistance In Anamosa

Navigating the complexities of Iowa workers' compensation laws can be daunting, especially during the recovery process from a workplace injury. Seeking guidance from a seasoned Anamosa Workers' Comp attorney is invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal professionals play a pivotal role in gathering evidence, preparing documentation, and advocating for your interests throughout the claims process. Don't risk missing out on the compensation you deserve – enlist the support of a qualified attorney to navigate the complexities with confidence.

The Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your work injury claim from the get-go. That's why we provide this FREE book; Iowa Workers' Compensation - An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa work injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation - 641-792-3595.