Granger Workers Compensation Attorneys

Facing legal hurdles following a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to help. 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.

Understanding the Value of Your Iowa Work Injury Case

If you've been injured at work in Iowa, it's crucial to understand how your workers' compensation checks are calculated. The value of your case depends on several factors, including the type of injury, whether you qualify for additional funds, and the extent of any permanent restrictions.

Factors Influencing Your Compensation

1. Type of Injury: Scheduled Member vs. Industrial Injury
    - Scheduled Member Injuries: These include injuries to specific body parts like the arm, hand, fingers, leg, foot, toes, ears, or eyes. Compensation for these injuries is based on a percentage of 250 weeks, depending on the impairment rating.
    - Industrial Injuries: These are injuries to the back, neck, brain, shoulder, nervous system, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and skin. These are considered injuries to the body as a whole, also known as unscheduled member injuries. Compensation for these injuries is based on a percentage of 500 weeks.

2. Permanent Restrictions and Impairment Ratings
    - Compensation varies significantly between scheduled member injuries and injuries to the body as a whole. For example, a 10% impairment rating for a shoulder injury translates to a 6% body as a whole rating, resulting in 30 weeks (500 weeks x 6%) of benefits. However, other factors like the ability to work, age, education, and whether surgery was performed can increase the compensation amount.

3. Second Injury Fund
    - If an injured worker had previously injured another scheduled member, they might qualify for benefits under the Iowa Second Injury Fund Act, providing compensation as if they sustained an injury to the body as a whole.

Medical Bill Payments Under Iowa Workers' Compensation

Iowa is an employer-choice state, meaning the employer or their insurance company chooses the medical providers for injured workers. They are responsible for paying the medical bills for these authorized providers.

1. Authorized Providers
    - Medical providers must be authorized by the workers' compensation insurance company. Unauthorized providers' bills are unlikely to be paid by the insurance company, and the patient may need to submit these bills to their health insurance company or pay out of pocket.

2. Denied Claims
    - If a claim is denied, the injured worker’s health insurance should cover the medical care. Iowa Code §85.38(2)(a) ensures that health insurance cannot deny payment for medical services based on unresolved workers' compensation liability.

3. Billing Disputes
    - Authorized medical providers may face payment reductions due to insurance audits. Disputes over the reasonable charges can be taken to the Iowa Workers' Compensation agency, not involving the injured worker.

Light Duty Status in Iowa Workers' Compensation

Light duty status refers to assuming duties that accommodate an injury or disability sustained at work when you can no longer perform your former duties.

1. Returning to Work
    - After an injury, workers are granted a "healing period" for recovery. If you are unable to perform your old job due to a lingering injury, your employer should offer you a modified job that accommodates your restrictions. If no such job is offered, consulting an experienced work injury attorney can ensure you are treated fairly.

2. Determining Light Duty
    - Whether you should be on light duty is determined by your doctor, and any work restrictions should be put in writing. If the light duty job pays less than your previous job, the difference should be compensated through workers' comp benefits.

3. Communicating with Your Employer
    - It’s crucial to regularly contact your employer to inform them of your readiness to work within your restrictions. Failing to do so may result in job loss, cessation of weekly workers' comp benefits, and denial of unemployment benefits. If you return to work and find you cannot physically perform the job, immediately notify your supervisor and the doctor.

Understanding these aspects of workers' compensation can help you navigate the complexities of your claim and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

Getting Legal Assistance In Granger

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 Granger 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.