Audubon Workers Compensation Attorneys

Facing legal complexities after a workplace injury can be intimidating. Our workers' compensation lawyers are here to support you. With relentless dedication and expert skills, our team fights for the rights of injured workers. We ensure you receive fair treatment and the compensation you deserve, allowing you to concentrate on getting better.

When Should I Hire a Workers' Comp Attorney?

Navigating workers' compensation claims can be straightforward in some cases, but it can also become highly complex and contentious, making legal representation necessary. Understanding when to seek a workers' comp lawyer is crucial to ensure you receive the full benefits you're entitled to. 

Situations Where You May Not Need an Attorney

For certain types of work injuries, hiring an attorney may not be necessary. Examples include:
1. Minor Injuries with Full Recovery: If you sustain an injury, do not miss work, your medical bills are covered, and you make a full recovery, you likely don't need legal representation.
2. Temporary Injuries with Full Recovery: If you miss a few weeks of work but make a full recovery, return to your job, and your medical bills are paid, legal assistance might not be required.

Situations Where Legal Assistance is Beneficial

However, there are scenarios where the expertise of an experienced Iowa work comp lawyer is invaluable:

1. Serious Injuries with Lasting Impact: If you sustain a serious injury that requires surgery, time off work, and results in permanent problems or restrictions, an attorney can help secure the compensation you deserve.
2. Employment Termination: If you are fired after a work injury, an attorney can assist in protecting your rights.
3. Permanent Work Restrictions: If your injury leads to permanent restrictions that your employer cannot accommodate, resulting in job loss, legal assistance is crucial.
4. Third-Party Negligence: Injuries caused by a third party's negligence, such as a car accident while on the job, involve complex legal issues, including personal injury claims and workers' compensation. An attorney can navigate these complexities and ensure fair compensation.
5. Disputed Impairment Ratings: If you receive a functional impairment rating that you disagree with, consulting an attorney can help you challenge the rating and seek a fair evaluation.

Specific Case: Calcaneus Fracture Work Injury

A calcaneus (heel bone) fracture can be a serious work injury, often requiring significant medical intervention and leading to long-term disability. Here's what you need to know:

Causes and Symptoms:
- Common Causes: High-impact collisions such as car accidents or falls from heights are typical causes.
- Symptoms: Include swelling, pain, bruising, a deformed heel, inability to put weight on the heel, and difficulty walking.

Severity and Treatment:
- Stable Fracture: May heal with immobilization.
- Displaced Fracture: Often requires surgery with screws and plates.
- Open Fracture: Bone pierces the skin, necessitating immediate surgery and posing infection risks.
- Comminuted Fracture: Bone shatters into multiple pieces, making surgical reconstruction more complex.

Recovery:
- Rehabilitation: Involves strengthening exercises and improving range of motion.
- Complications: Potential for chronic pain, joint stiffness, and permanent gait alteration.

Workers' Compensation Benefits:
- Medical Benefits: Cover all injury-related costs.
- Disability Benefits: Provide partial wages if unable to work. Permanent disability benefits may be available for long-term impacts.

Returning to Work and Workers' Comp Settlements

Returning to work doesn't necessarily mean your workers' compensation case is closed, especially if you have permanent injuries:

1. Permanent Impairment Rating: If your injuries are permanent, you should receive a rating based on the AMA Guides. This rating can lead to a settlement but does not close your case.
2. Additional Compensation: Factors such as your ability to earn the same or higher wages post-injury, changes in Iowa laws, and your specific injury type (industrial vs. scheduled member injuries) affect additional compensation.
3. Statute of Limitations: In Iowa, you have three years from the date of your impairment check to claim additional benefits. Settling your case prematurely without legal advice could result in losing potential compensation and future medical care.

For Same Employer:
- Higher Earnings: If you return to work with the same employer at the same or higher pay, your compensation might be limited. However, a second medical opinion might help.
- Lower Earnings: Reduced hours or a lower-paying job might entitle you to more benefits, particularly for industrial injuries.

For Different Employer:
- Terminated Employment: If you were fired due to your work restrictions, you might be eligible for additional benefits, especially for industrial injuries or second injury fund claims.

In all these scenarios, consulting a qualified workers' compensation attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the appropriate benefits.

Getting Legal Assistance In Audubon

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 Audubon 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.