Britt Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal challenges after a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to support you. With relentless dedication and specialized skills, our team is devoted to advocating for injured workers' rights. We work meticulously to ensure fair treatment and proper compensation, so you can focus on your recovery.

Understanding Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis is a defect or fracture in the pars interarticularis, a part of the vertebra. This condition can lead to spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra slips out of place, often causing significant back pain. These conditions are not uncommon and can arise from various factors, including genetics, sudden trauma, or repetitive stress on the spine. Workers who develop spondylolysis due to their job may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, and an Iowa work comp lawyer can assist in filing a claim.

Causes and Risks of Work-Related Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis can affect individuals of any age and are prevalent in about 4-6% of the U.S. population, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Degenerative spondylolisthesis typically occurs due to aging and general wear and tear, while spondylolytic spondylolisthesis results from a fracture in the pars interarticularis. Jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or high-impact activities can increase the risk of these conditions. Occupations such as construction work, gardening, roofing, and painting are particularly high-risk.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis may include chronic lower back pain, pain that worsens with backward bending, leg weakness, slowed reflexes, and tingling sensations in the lower back. Diagnosing these conditions often involves physical exams and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the position of the vertebrae and check for nerve or spinal cord compression.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether nerves or the spinal cord are affected. Non-surgical options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and possibly wearing a back brace. In more severe cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgery might be necessary to correct the vertebral alignment and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Workers' Compensation for Spondylolysis

Treating spondylolysis can be costly, especially if it requires time off work or ongoing physical therapy. Workers who develop this condition due to their job duties in Iowa may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. An experienced work comp lawyer can help navigate the claim process, ensuring that all necessary medical expenses and lost wages are covered.

Can You See Your Own Doctor After a Work Injury in Iowa?

In Iowa, if you sustain a work-related injury, you have the right to see your own doctor, but there are significant restrictions. Typically, your employer and their insurance carrier must approve or authorize your medical care. This often means that you must see a physician chosen by them. Seeking treatment from a doctor not approved by your employer may lead to your health insurance rejecting the claim because it is related to a work injury. Hence, it's essential to consult your employer before visiting a non-approved doctor.

Receiving Medical Help After a Work Injury

Under Iowa workers' comp laws, your employer has the right to select your medical care providers. If you're dissatisfied with the care or treatment recommended, you should discuss this with your employer. In certain situations, you can request alternative care, but your employer or their insurance carrier may deny this request. If denied, you can appeal to the workers' compensation commissioner.

Alternative Medical Care and Impairment Ratings

If you receive an impairment rating that you believe is too low, you can see another doctor at the employer's expense, but this doctor will also be of their choosing. If you are unhappy with the care provided, you can file a petition for alternate medical care, which can be a complex process likely requiring the help of a workers' compensation attorney.

Right to Refuse Medical Care

You have the right to refuse recommended medical procedures or treatments, but doing so may affect your workers' compensation claim. For example, if you refuse surgery advised by the company doctor, it could impact the outcome of your claim. Consulting with a workers' compensation attorney before refusing treatment is crucial to understand the potential implications.

Learn About the Injured Workers Bill of Rights in Iowa

Since 1913, Iowa law has recognized the rights of injured workers, requiring employers to have workers' compensation insurance. Here are the first four of the ten basic rights under Iowa's Injured Workers Bill of Rights:

1. Payment of Medical Care Including Mileage:
   - Medical Expenses: Employers must provide and pay for necessary medical care and treatment. If your claim is denied but later deemed work-related, they are responsible for your medical costs, even from non-approved providers in some cases.
   - Mileage Expenses: You are entitled to reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments at the rate of $.545 per mile as of July 1, 2018.

2. Money for Permanent Disability:
   - If your injury causes a permanent disability, you are entitled to compensation based on the affected body part, the extent of your disability, and your average weekly earnings prior to the injury. Even without an impairment rating, permanent work restrictions might entitle you to additional compensation.

3. Right to Refuse Medical Care:
   - You can refuse any recommended medical procedures or treatments. However, not proceeding with recommended treatment might impact your workers' compensation claim, so it is advisable to consult with an attorney first.

4. Weekly Benefit Checks While You Recover:
   - While you are unable to work due to your injury, you will receive weekly benefit checks to replace your earnings. These benefits cover periods of complete inability to work (Temporary Total Disability - TTD) and partial inability to work (Temporary Partial Disability - TPD). The amount of these payments is based on your average weekly wage before the injury, considering factors like marital status and number of dependents. Verifying the accuracy of your weekly benefit rate is crucial, as miscalculations can significantly affect your compensation.

For more detailed information and to learn about the remaining rights, consulting with a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney is recommended.

Getting Legal Assistance In Britt

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 Britt 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.