Eldora Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal hurdles following a workplace injury can be intimidating. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to assist. With unwavering dedication and specialized skills, our team fights for the rights of injured workers. We work diligently to secure fair treatment and rightful compensation, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Navigating Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) in Iowa Workers' Compensation

If you've sustained a permanent but not total disability at work, you may qualify for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) under Iowa’s workers’ compensation laws. The benefits and duration you are entitled to depend significantly on the nature of your injury and which part of your body is affected. When your healing period (HP) benefits conclude, you will transition to one of two types of PPD benefits: Scheduled Member Disabilities or Unscheduled Disabilities.

Scheduled Member Disabilities

The Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation uses Appendix A, a list of scheduled body members, to determine the PPD benefit amount. This list specifies the number of weeks you are eligible for benefits based on the specific body part that is permanently disabled. For instance:

- Loss of thumb: 60 weeks
- Loss of first finger: 35 weeks
- Loss of hand: 190 weeks
- Loss of arm: 250 weeks
- Loss of eye: 140 weeks
- Permanent disfigurement (face or head): 150 weeks
- Body as a whole/industrial disability: 500 weeks

If you lose complete function of a scheduled body part, you receive benefits for the full duration listed. If you lose partial function, such as 50% use of an arm, you receive benefits for half the allotted time, in this case, 125 weeks.

Unscheduled Disabilities

Unscheduled disabilities cover injuries not listed in the schedule of benefits. These can include injuries to the hips, shoulders, back, neck, or any injury affecting multiple body parts or the body as a whole, including psychological conditions resulting from workplace incidents. Unlike scheduled disabilities, benefits for unscheduled disabilities are calculated based on how the injury impacts your earning capacity. Factors considered include:

- The injury’s effect on your earnings
- Medical history
- Duration of the healing period
- Work experience prior to the injury
- Rehabilitation potential
- Qualifications, including educational, physical, and motivational aspects
- Degree of functional impairment
- Lost earnings due to job changes to accommodate the injury
- Inability to perform suitable work

Due to the subjective nature of these evaluations, there is significant discretion in determining your disability rating. If you believe your rating is unfairly low, it is advisable to contact a disability attorney.

Challenging Your Disability Rating

If your claim is denied or you receive a lower rating than expected, an attorney can assist in the appeals process. They may negotiate with your employer or insurer to achieve a fair rating and benefit amount.

Returning to Light Duty Work

Returning to work after an injury can be complex, especially if you are restricted to light duty. If your employer cannot accommodate these restrictions, you may be eligible for temporary total disability until you can return to your previous job or until light duty becomes available. If your employer unreasonably refuses to provide available light-duty work, seeking legal help is crucial.

To facilitate a smooth return to work, injured employees should:

- Maintain open communication with their employer
- Keep medical appointments and update the employer
- Work with a rehabilitation counselor

Settlements in Iowa Workers' Compensation Cases

Understanding settlements in workers' compensation cases is essential. A common misconception is that receiving a check for PPD based on your functional impairment rating signifies a settlement. However, formal settlement requires signed paperwork and agency approval. 

Types of settlements include:

1. Agreement for Settlement: Both parties agree on a disability percentage and payment terms. Medical benefits remain open for future claims within three years of the last check if the condition worsens.
2. Agreement for Settlement with Full Commutation: Similar to the above, but in exchange for a lump-sum payment, you waive future medical benefits and the right to reopen the case.
3. Compromise Settlement: Typically used when the injured worker no longer works for the employer. This settlement closes all past and future benefits with a lump-sum payment.

Upon approval by the Iowa Workers Compensation agency, expect a settlement check within 7 to 14 business days, which may take additional time to clear your bank.

Getting Legal Assistance In Eldora

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 Eldora 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.