Dyersville Workers Compensation Attorneys

Facing legal hurdles after a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to support you. With unwavering dedication and specialized knowledge, our team is committed to advocating for the rights of injured workers. We ensure fair treatment and deserved compensation, so you can concentrate on getting better.

Experiencing a work-related injury can be stressful enough without the added burden of medical bills being turned over to collections. This scenario is common in Iowa workers' compensation cases, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you navigate this difficult situation effectively.

Preventing Collections Actions

1. Pending Petition:
If you have a pending petition before the Iowa Workers' Compensation agency, Iowa Code § 85.27 states that no healthcare provider can initiate collection actions against you while the case is pending. To prevent further collection actions, you or your attorney should send a letter and a copy of the filed petition to the collection agencies or healthcare providers involved.

Ignoring collection letters and calls is not advisable. If medical bills are not submitted on time, you could end up responsible for bills that your employer's workers' compensation insurance should have covered. Remember, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a petition (unless you have been timely paid TTD or PPD benefits), or you risk being stuck with these medical bills.

2. Handling Medical Bills:
Whether or not you have a pending petition, request an itemized copy of the bill. If the bill is for work injury-related medical care, send it promptly to the insurance adjuster and request immediate payment. Sometimes, insurance adjusters may ignore bills until they are forced to address them. Contact the medical provider or their collection company to ensure they have the correct contact information for the insurance adjuster. This often requires effort on your part, but it can prevent bills from escalating to collections.

What to Do If You Are Injured While Working for FedEx, UPS, or USPS

If you are injured while working for a corporate delivery company like FedEx, UPS, Amazon, or USPS, the processes and protections may differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial to safeguarding your rights and ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation.

1. Reporting Your Injury:
Report your work injury to your employer immediately and in writing. Keep a copy of the incident report. This is especially important for traumatic injuries like falls or lifting incidents. Although you technically have up to 90 days to report the injury, waiting can complicate your claim. For cumulative trauma injuries, ensure you inform all medical providers that the injury is work-related and promptly report it to your employer in writing.

2. Returning to Work:
If released to work with restrictions by your doctor or the company's doctor, notify your employer that you are ready and willing to work within those restrictions. Failure to do so can result in forfeiture of weekly benefits. If offered work, attempt to perform it but report any issues to your employer and doctor to see if additional restrictions are needed.

3. Continuing Medical Treatment:
Follow through with all recommended treatments, such as physical therapy. Delays in approval by workers' compensation can occur, but do not neglect treatment. Doing so not only weakens your case but also hampers your recovery.

4. Following Doctor's Orders:
Adhere strictly to your doctor's restrictions, both at work and at home. Workers' compensation insurance companies often use surveillance to catch workers violating restrictions. Being caught can damage your credibility and affect your compensation.

5. Working Within Restrictions:
Some employers might pressure you to work outside your restrictions. Keep a copy of your restrictions with you and refer to them if asked to do more than what is allowed. This helps protect you from further injury and strengthens your case.

6. Discussing Retirement:
Avoid discussing retirement plans, especially since changes to Iowa workers' compensation laws in 2017 can reduce your compensation based on retirement plans. Employers and insurance companies may use this information to minimize your benefits.

Spondylolisthesis: A Common Work-Related Back Injury

Back injuries, such as spondylolisthesis, are prevalent in the workplace. This condition occurs when a vertebra in the spinal column has a stress fracture and slips out of place, potentially leading to significant pain and disability.

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis:
- Lower back pain
- Muscle spasms or stiffness
- Reduced range of motion in the lower back
- Leg weakness
- Tenderness in the affected vertebra area
- Tingling or numbness in the buttocks or thighs

Diagnosing and Grading Spondylolisthesis:
Doctors use X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to diagnose the condition and determine the extent of vertebral slippage, graded from I (1-25%) to IV (76-100%).

Complications:
- Increased curvature of the lumbar spine (lordosis)
- Nerve compression, such as cauda equina syndrome, which can cause pain and sensory/motor loss in the lower extremities, and loss of bladder/bowel control

Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim

For work-related back injuries like spondylolisthesis, proving the connection to your job is essential. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in work injury cases can help you gather the necessary medical evidence and navigate potential disputes over diagnosis or treatment.

Independent Medical Examination:
If there is a disagreement with the company doctor’s assessment, you may request an independent medical examination to support your claim.

Getting Legal Assistance In Dyersville

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 Dyersville 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.