Belmond Workers Compensation Attorneys

Facing legal obstacles after a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation lawyers are here to assist. With relentless dedication and specialized skills, our team fights for the rights of injured workers. We work diligently to secure fair treatment and deserved compensation, letting you focus on recovery.

Understanding Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Workers’ Compensation

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain, often resulting from repetitive lifting or overhead activities. This condition can significantly affect workers in industries such as construction and painting. If shoulder impingement arises from workplace activities, injured employees in Iowa are entitled to workers' compensation benefits to cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other related benefits.

What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), shoulder impingement occurs when the bone on the top of the shoulder impinges, or rubs, the tendon and bursa in the shoulder. This condition is closely related to rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis, leading to pain, especially during lifting and reaching activities. 

Treating Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Effective treatment of shoulder impingement addresses both the symptoms and the underlying condition. Common treatments include:

- Anti-inflammatory Drugs: These medications help reduce pain and swelling. However, patients need to avoid activities that caused the inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapy regimen may be prescribed to strengthen the shoulder and improve mobility.
- Steroid Injections: If other treatments fail, steroid injections might be necessary.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be required to increase space for the rotator cuff by removing the bursa or part of the top shoulder bone. Recovery time varies depending on whether the surgery is arthroscopic or open.

Workers' compensation medical benefits typically cover these treatment costs and any related expenses.

Workers' Compensation Disability Benefits for Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement can make working difficult or impossible, especially in jobs involving repetitive lifting or overhead activities. Workers unable to perform their job duties may be entitled to temporary total disability benefits. Depending on treatment success, a doctor may clear a worker to return to work with specific restrictions. If the worker has to take a lower-paying job, they may receive temporary partial disability benefits to supplement their income.

If a worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) with permanent restrictions, they might receive an impairment rating. This rating impacts the worker's permanent partial disability benefits. Several factors influence the duration and amount of these benefits, including:

- The impairment rating
- The worker's experience and skills
- Previous education
- Age

Challenges to Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Claims

Disagreements between the employee and the employer-chosen doctor can complicate shoulder impingement claims. Employers in Iowa have the right to choose the treating doctor, who might be biased towards the employer or its insurance company. If a worker feels the treatment is inadequate, they can file a petition for alternate medical treatment with the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner (IWCC). Workers can also request another medical exam if they disagree with the initial impairment rating.

Iowa Injured Workers' Bill of Rights

Since 1913, Iowa law has recognized the needs of injured workers, requiring employers to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Here are four critical rights under Iowa law:

1. Payment of Medical Care and Mileage:
   - Medical Expenses: Employers must provide and pay for medical treatment. If a claim is denied but later proven to be work-related, the employer must cover those expenses.
   - Mileage Expenses: Workers are entitled to mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments.

2. Money for Permanent Disability:
   - Workers with permanent disabilities receive compensation based on the affected body parts, the disability's extent, and their average weekly earnings before the injury.

3. Right to Refuse Medical Care:
   - Workers can refuse medical procedures, though this might affect their case.

4. Weekly Benefit Checks While Recovering:
   - While unable to work, workers receive weekly benefits based on their average earnings before the injury.

Reaching MMI: Your Options

Reaching MMI means further significant improvement is unlikely. Despite this, workers have the right to seek additional medical opinions. Under Iowa Code Section 85.39, workers are entitled to an independent medical examination (IME), which the insurance company must pay for. Choosing the right IME doctor is crucial, as some doctors may favor insurance companies.

Getting Legal Assistance In Belmond

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 Belmond 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.