Carroll Workers Compensation Attorneys

When injuries occur at work, the legal complexities can quickly become overwhelming and confusing. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to help you navigate this challenging terrain. With unwavering dedication and extensive expertise, our team is committed to defending the rights of injured workers. We advocate on your behalf to secure fair treatment and the compensation you deserve, letting you concentrate on your recovery with peace of mind.

When Does Workers' Compensation Stop Paying?

When an injured worker is released by their doctor, it can affect the payments on their workers' compensation claim. The outcome depends on various factors, including whether the employee is released to regular job duties, light-duty work, or if the condition has reached a point of maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Effects of Physician Releases on Workers' Compensation Benefits

Designated as Healed

In many cases, the employee’s injury or illness eventually heals. For instance, consider a delivery truck driver who suffers a broken arm and leg in a traffic accident. After a few months, both fractures heal, allowing the driver to return to their regular job duties. In such scenarios, workers' compensation payments typically stop because the individual is capable of resuming their normal work.

Put on Job Restriction

Another scenario arises when the employee is released to return to work but with certain restrictions. Job responsibilities might be adjusted, or the employee might work fewer hours. If treatment is ongoing, payments should continue during this period. However, if the employee fails to adhere to the prescribed work restrictions, payments could potentially be stopped. For example, if a doctor advises light-duty assignments and the employee declines, this decision could impact their eligibility for benefits.

Adapting to Changing Work Circumstances

If the worker receives a lower wage due to the injury, temporary total disability (TTD) benefits could transition to temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. Unlike TTD, which provides 80% of average spendable earnings, TPD pays two-thirds of the difference between the pre-injury wages and the reduced wages.

Employees should receive their TTD check on a weekly basis. If it does not arrive on time, they should contact the insurance adjuster to request an explanation. If represented by an attorney, the attorney or their staff will contact the insurance company on the employee's behalf. The insurance company can ultimately be subject to paying penalty benefits up to 50% for late checks.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

A physician might determine that the employee has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is common in cases like spinal cord injuries, where the condition has plateaued, and additional improvement is unlikely. However, ongoing treatment might still be necessary. Once a doctor concludes that significant improvement is unlikely and releases the worker, healing period benefits cease, and permanent disability benefits might begin.

Benefit Availability Based on Injury Nature

The availability of benefits depends on the nature of the injury. For instance, if an individual has a permanent impairment, healing period benefits could be accessible during recovery. Even if they are cleared to work despite a permanent disability resulting from the injury, they might qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. Alternatively, if the physician deems they are unable to return to work at all, permanent total disability (PTD) benefits could be applicable.

Working with a Bulging Disc

Bulging and herniated discs are common spinal issues. Just because someone has a bulging disc does not automatically mean they will experience pain. Many people have disc issues that show up on an MRI but are asymptomatic. Therefore, one might be able to work without any issues despite having a bulging disc in their back.

However, if a bulging disc causes pain that radiates into the arms, hands, legs, or feet, it indicates a more significant problem. A bulging or herniated disc that puts pressure on the nerves in the spine is not only painful but can result in permanent disability and impairment in some cases. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms are present. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, epidural injections, or even surgery.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Bulging Disc

A bulging or herniated disc occurs when a spongy disc located between vertebrae is damaged, potentially breaking open or bulging out and putting pressure on nerves in the spinal cord. If the bulging disc is in the lower back or neck, the pain might spread to the buttocks, hips, legs, shoulders, or arms. Common symptoms include pain that can spread to other body parts, weakness, and numbness.

The pain often starts as discomfort but worsens with time and during activities such as lifting, bending, walking, extended sitting, standing, or even at night.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes with Work Injuries

To help injured workers avoid costly mistakes, resources like the "Iowa Injured Workers Bill of Rights" are available. This book provides valuable information on understanding rights and handling workers' compensation claims. Feedback from other Iowans highlights the book's usefulness in providing insights and guidance on managing one's case and recognizing when to seek legal help.

Getting Legal Assistance In Carroll

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 Carroll 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.