Bloomfield Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal challenges following a workplace injury can feel intimidating. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to help. With steadfast dedication and specialized skills, our team is devoted to advocating for injured workers' rights. We ensure fair treatment and rightful compensation, so you can concentrate on healing.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Their Implications at Age 65

In Iowa, workers’ compensation benefits do not automatically stop when you reach age 65. However, it is crucial to understand the different types of benefits and how they function. This article explores the various benefits, their durations, and the impact of reaching retirement age and receiving Social Security benefits on workers' compensation.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: These are paid to an injured worker regardless of age when, after a work injury, they are taken off work by the authorized treating physician or given work restrictions that the employer cannot accommodate. TTD benefits continue until the worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), meaning they are as good as they are likely to get from the doctor’s standpoint.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: PPD benefits are paid based on the worker’s impairment rating in scheduled member cases or their industrial disability in other cases. These benefits can extend past age 65. The number of weeks paid depends on the type of injury, the functional impairment rating under the AMA Guides, and factors such as age, education, and loss of actual earnings. The injury type (scheduled member injury like arm, hand, leg, foot, eye, etc., versus unscheduled or industrial injury like back, neck, hip, etc.) significantly influences compensation.

Medical Benefits: Workers injured on the job are entitled to lifetime medical benefits, provided the case has not been settled. However, insurance companies may deny further medical care for various reasons, such as the worker no longer being employed by the same employer, attributing ongoing issues to arthritis instead of the work injury, or simply unwillingness to cover additional costs.

Impact of Social Security Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Compensation received in wages or workers’ compensation checks reduces SSI benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): There is an offset evaluation to determine the reduction in monthly SSDI payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows the worker to make up to 80% of their highest annual earnings in the five years prior to the work injury.

Drunk Driving-related Accident Statistics

Fatalities and Injuries: In Iowa, 92 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities occurred in 2012, accounting for 25% of all driving fatalities. Nationwide, 10,322 people died in drunk driving accidents in the same year, making up 31% of all traffic fatalities.

Demographics: The highest percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes with a BAC of .08 or higher were aged 21-24 (32%), followed by 25-34 (29%) and 35-44 (25%). More men (7,905) than women (1,588) were involved in fatal crashes with a BAC of .08 or higher.

Legal Options for Victims of Drunk Driving

Victims of drunk driving accidents can file personal injury cases against the negligent driver to recover damages. Proving the other driver’s negligence, often evident through impairment, is crucial for these cases.

Effects of Physician Releases on Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When a doctor releases an injured worker, it can lead to a stoppage of workers' compensation payments. The outcome depends on whether the employee is released to regular job duties, light-duty work, or if the condition has reached maximum medical improvement.

Healed Injury: If an injury heals, payments stop. For example, a delivery driver whose fractures heal after a few months can return to regular duties, ending payments.

Job Restrictions: If released to work with restrictions, job responsibilities may adjust, and payments should continue. If the worker receives lower wages due to the injury, TTD benefits might transition to Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits, paying two-thirds of the difference between pre-injury and reduced wages.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): When a condition plateaus, TTD payments may stop, but ongoing treatment might be necessary. If the worker has a permanent impairment, healing period benefits cease, and permanent disability benefits might begin.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: Workers cleared to work with a permanent disability may receive PPD benefits. If unable to return to work, they might qualify for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits.

Getting Legal Assistance In Bloomfield

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 Bloomfield 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.