Hiawatha Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal hurdles after a workplace injury can be daunting. Our workers' compensation attorneys are ready to assist. With unwavering dedication and expertise, our team is committed to defending the rights of injured workers. We ensure fair treatment and proper compensation, so you can focus on healing.

What If I Get Hurt While Working for FedEx, UPS, or USPS?

If you get injured while working for a delivery company like FedEx, UPS, Amazon, or a similar corporate entity, you are covered by state workers’ compensation laws. However, if you are employed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or another federal agency, your case will fall under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). This article will guide you through the essential steps to take if you are injured on the job, your rights as an injured worker, and the circumstances under which your workers’ compensation benefits might stop.

Steps to Take If Injured on the Job

1. Reporting Your Work Injury

If you are hurt while working, it is crucial to report your injury to your employer immediately. Do this in writing and keep a copy of the report for your records. This is especially important for traumatic injuries like falls or lifting incidents. While you technically have up to 90 days to report the injury, delaying can cause complications.

2. Be Ready and Willing to Work

If your doctor or the company-appointed doctor releases you to work with restrictions, you must inform your employer that you are ready and willing to work within those restrictions. Failure to do so can result in forfeiture of your weekly benefits. If the offered work causes issues, report this to your employer and consult your doctor for possible adjustments to your work restrictions.

3. Continue to Treat for Your Work Injuries

Follow through with all recommended treatments, even if there are delays in workers’ compensation approvals. Not doing so can hurt your case and prevent you from receiving necessary medical care.

4. Follow Your Doctor's Orders

Adhere strictly to your doctor's orders, including work restrictions. Workers’ compensation insurance companies often use surveillance to ensure compliance. Violating these restrictions can severely damage your credibility and case.

5. Work Within Your Restrictions

If your employer asks you to work outside your restrictions, remind them of your limitations and provide documentation if necessary. This helps protect you from further injury and maintains your claim's validity.

6. Do Not Discuss Retirement

Avoid discussing retirement plans with anyone. Changes in Iowa workers’ compensation laws can use your retirement plans against you to reduce compensation. Focus on protecting your rights and consult with an attorney for guidance.

Your Rights Under Iowa Workers’ Compensation Law

Iowa law provides several rights to injured workers, ensuring they receive necessary medical care and compensation. Below are some key rights:

1. Payment of Medical Care Including Mileage

Your employer must provide and pay for medical care related to your work injury. If your claim is denied, and later proven work-related, your employer is still responsible for the costs. You are also entitled to mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments.

2. Money for Permanent Disability

If your injury results in a permanent disability, you are entitled to compensation based on the extent of your disability and your average weekly earnings before the injury. This includes permanent impairment ratings or permanent work restrictions.

3. Right to Refuse Medical Care

You can refuse medical procedures or care you do not want. However, refusal might impact your case, so consider the implications carefully and consult with an attorney.

4. Weekly Benefit Checks While You Recover

While recovering and unable to work, you will receive weekly benefit checks to replace your earnings. This applies to both total inability to work (TTD) and partial work capability (TPD). The amount is based on your average weekly wage before the injury.

Circumstances Under Which Workers’ Comp Benefits Could Stop

Workers’ compensation benefits can only stop under specific circumstances, and you must be given a 30-day written notice with an explanation. Common valid reasons include:

- Return to Work: Benefits stop when you return to work.
- Medical Improvement: If significant improvement from the injury isn’t anticipated.
- Medical Capability: If you are medically capable of returning to similar work.

When Termination of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Isn’t Warranted

Benefits should not stop without a valid reason. Unwarranted stoppages might include:

- Employer Retaliation: Termination to avoid paying benefits.
- Disagreement with Medical Findings: Disputes over disability ratings or work restrictions.

If benefits are wrongfully terminated, you may be entitled to interest or penalty benefits. Disputes should be brought before the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner, and legal representation is advisable.

What to Do if Workers’ Compensation Benefits Unnecessarily Stop

If benefits stop without a valid reason, you can file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner. Evidence will be presented, and an administrative law judge will decide on the legitimacy of the termination. If benefits are reinstated, they will continue as before. If not, you can appeal the decision, and hiring an attorney is highly recommended to navigate the complexities of Iowa workers’ compensation laws.

Getting Legal Assistance In Hiawatha

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 Hiawatha 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.