Farley Workers Compensation Attorneys

Facing legal hurdles after a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to guide you. With relentless dedication and expert knowledge, our team fights for injured workers' rights. We work meticulously to secure fair treatment and the compensation you deserve, letting you concentrate on healing.

Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Prognosis, and Compensation

Each year, hundreds of Iowans sustain work-related shoulder injuries. While some recover fully, others develop frozen shoulder syndrome (adhesive capsulitis), a condition where the shoulder loses its range of motion. This can result from immobilization (e.g., arm in a sling) or the injury itself. Frozen shoulder can be a devastating condition with limited treatment options.

Stages and Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing: The joint stiffens over six weeks to nine months.
2. Frozen: Movement is severely restricted for four to six months.
3. Thawing: Movement gradually returns over six months to two years.

Treatment includes pain medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Surgical options involve manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic removal of scar tissue.

Challenges in Claims

Proving that frozen shoulder is work-related can be challenging. Workers need to demonstrate the connection between their work injury and the frozen shoulder. Comprehensive medical records and physician testimony are essential. Workers' compensation covers all related treatment costs, including surgeries and therapies, provided the link between the initial injury and frozen shoulder is established.

Spondylolysis: Understanding the Condition and Compensation Rights

Spondylolysis, a defect of the pars interarticularis (often a fracture), can lead to spondylolisthesis (slippage of a vertebra). It commonly causes low back pain and may develop due to genetics, sudden trauma, or repetitive stress. Workers in physically demanding jobs are particularly at risk.

Types and Symptoms

There are two main types of spondylolisthesis:

1. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Caused by wear and tear, resulting in weakened intervertebral discs.
2. Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis: Resulting from a fracture, often due to repetitive stress or sudden trauma.

Symptoms include chronic back pain, pain when bending backward, leg weakness, slowed reflexes, and tingling sensations in the lower back.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis involves X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Treatment ranges from rest and anti-inflammatory medications to physical therapy and possibly surgery for severe cases. Workers' compensation can cover the costs of treatment, including surgery, if the condition is work-related.

Multiple Procedures and Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation covers necessary medical treatments, but there are limits based on the injury and medical recommendations. Coverage typically includes treatments until the worker can return to work, even if at a diminished capacity. Multiple procedures or surgeries are covered if deemed necessary by the employer’s insurance company's physician.

Dealing with Denied Claims

Not all claims are accepted. Denied claims, especially for multiple surgeries, can lead to legal battles. Workers should consult an attorney if their claim is denied, as persistent legal advocacy is often required to secure necessary medical treatments.

Returning to Work and Employer Compliance

Returning to work after surgery depends on medical recommendations. Workers should follow their doctor's restrictions and communicate these to their employer. Keeping a copy of work restrictions handy is crucial. If employers do not comply with these restrictions or if issues arise, workers should notify their employer and consult their doctor for further guidance.

What to Do if Restrictions Are Not Followed

Workers should immediately report any non-compliance with restrictions to their employer and doctor. Persistent issues may require a reassessment of restrictions. In the case of a new injury, immediate reporting is essential to establish a work-related cause.

Settlements in Workers' Compensation Cases

Understanding settlements in workers' compensation cases is vital. Settlement types include:

1. Agreement for Settlement: Compensation is paid based on a percentage of disability, with the possibility of additional claims if the condition worsens.
2. Agreement for Settlement with Full Commutation: A lump-sum payment that closes all future medical claims.
3. Compromise Settlement: A lump-sum payment when the worker is no longer employed by the company, covering all past and future claims.

Workers should consult an attorney before agreeing to any settlement to ensure fair compensation and avoid potential pitfalls.

Getting Legal Assistance In Farley

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 Farley 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.