Colfax Workers Compensation Attorneys

A workplace injury can be overwhelming for any Colfax worker, especially when the process involves unfamiliar medical exams, hard-to-recognize head injuries, or specialized treatments like denervation procedures. Understanding what to expect at each stage of a workers' compensation claim helps Colfax workers protect their rights and make informed decisions about their care. This guide covers independent medical exams, concussions and head injuries sustained on the job, and how denervation procedures fit into an Iowa workers' compensation claim.

Understanding the Independent Medical Exam (IME)

Many Colfax workers who are assigned an Independent Medical Examination, commonly called an IME, have never gone through one before and are not sure what to expect. Understanding the general process can help ease some of that uncertainty.

The Exam May Start Before the Appointment

Sometimes the examination process begins before a Colfax worker even walks into the office. There may be paperwork to fill out beforehand, whether it arrives by mail or is available for download from the doctor's office website. These packets often include a medical history form asking about the injury, prior treatment, and any restrictions or impairment already identified.

Giving the Doctor a History

One of the primary elements of an IME is the history portion of the exam. Accuracy matters here. The doctor will ask about the history of the injury as well as work history, which helps build a clearer picture of the workplace and whether the worker is ready to return. It also helps the doctor understand what tools or equipment are used on the job. Complete honesty is the best policy. If a Colfax worker does not know or remember something, it is best to say so rather than guess. The doctor will also ask about treatment history, including what the worker has done on their own, such as icing the injury, along with which doctors have been seen and what those doctors recommended. Family medical history should be disclosed as well.

The Physical Portion of the Exam

The IME also includes a physical component. Height, weight, age, and other physical attributes may be recorded, and the examining doctor may check range of motion, flexion, adduction, and other movement related measures. Depending on the injury, X-rays or blood pressure readings may be taken. The doctor is ultimately providing an independent opinion on the nature and extent of the work injury.

Discussing Day-to-Day Activities

Another important part of the IME involves discussing day-to-day activities. This may seem like a minor detail, but it helps the doctor determine whether certain activities are helping or hurting the injury, and gives a fuller picture of the worker's overall health. Even activities that feel embarrassing or hard to explain should be shared honestly, along with how those activities affect pain and discomfort. Colfax workers should never hesitate to ask questions during an IME. Doctors generally appreciate a patient who wants to understand their own care, and approaching the appointment calmly, like any other doctor's visit, tends to make the process go more smoothly.

Concussions and Head Injuries on the Job

Concussions are a common type of head injury for Colfax workers hurt on the job. They are usually caused by a blow to the head or a high impact event, though a direct hit is not always necessary. Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head can also cause a concussion. Regardless of how hard someone was hit, a concussion will temporarily affect how the brain works.

How a Concussion Can Affect a Colfax Worker

A concussion can affect many bodily functions, including speech, balance, coordination, memory, judgment, and reflexes.

Will a Colfax Worker Know They Have a Concussion?

Many people who suffer a concussion never black out and may not realize right away that they have one. Any time a worker takes a blow to the head, it is worth watching for symptoms. Two major symptoms are confusion and amnesia, though a headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, and fatigue are also common. Some symptoms do not appear immediately and may take hours or even days to show up, including irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, memory problems, concentration problems, and sensitivity to light and noise.

If a doctor's visit is needed, a CT scan is often used to get a clear look at the brain and determine the severity of the injury. If a concussion is confirmed, rest is the best remedy, since it takes time for the brain to heal. Over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen can help with headaches, and easing up on work duties or physical activity for a period of time is often recommended. Recovery can take time, so patience is important.

Denervation Procedures and Workers' Compensation

Many workplace injuries in Colfax and throughout Iowa result in a need for a denervation treatment or procedure. A workplace injury can alter a worker's quality of life in lasting ways, and a doctor may recommend denervation to relieve chronic pain and improve day-to-day functioning.

What Is a Denervation Procedure?

Denervation is the interruption of nerve signals to a particular part of the body. It can occur from an injury to the nerves themselves, or it can be performed intentionally as a treatment to relieve pain. Because it can block pain signals before they reach the brain, denervation is sometimes used as a treatment for chronic pain, and some patients find relief through denervation even after other surgeries have failed to resolve their symptoms. Any medical procedure, including denervation, should be discussed at length with a trusted physician, along with any alternative therapies, so a Colfax worker fully understands their treatment options.

Will Workers' Compensation Pay for a Denervation Procedure?

The first step toward compensation for any Colfax work injury is reporting it to the employer and filing a workers' compensation claim. The injury must have occurred on the job, and the employer generally has the right to choose medical care. Even when a worker feels their chronic pain clearly warrants treatment, it is ultimately up to a medical professional selected by the employer to determine whether a denervation procedure is appropriate.

If a Colfax worker believes a denervation procedure is necessary but their doctor does not approve it, workers' compensation may not cover the procedure if the worker proceeds anyway. Workers who are unsatisfied with their care can request alternate care, first through the employer or the employer's workers' compensation insurance company. If that request is unsuccessful, an appeal can be made to the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner. Because this process can be complicated, many workers pursuing a claim find it helpful to hire an attorney who can argue on their behalf that certain benefits, including a recommended procedure, are warranted.