Iowa Falls Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal challenges after a workplace injury can be daunting. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here 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 your recovery.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits & Epidural Injections for Back Pain

Workers involved in heavy lifting often suffer back problems that may require epidural injections as part of their treatment. These injections should be covered by workers’ compensation. If there are issues getting the injections covered or with other aspects of a worker's claim, an appeal can be filed with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner (IWCC) to rectify the situation.

Understanding Epidural Injections

The epidural space is a fat-filled area located between the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord and the vertebral wall. During an epidural injection, a needle is inserted into this space to deliver corticosteroids, which help reduce spinal swelling and alleviate pain. Doctors use epidural injections to treat various spine-related injuries and conditions, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and spondylolysis. Typically, patients receive these injections once every couple of weeks for several weeks, though the schedule is determined by the patient's doctor.

Possible complications from epidural injections include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and dural punctures. Patients should thoroughly discuss these risks with their doctors before proceeding with treatment.

Workers’ Compensation and Epidural Injections

Workers’ compensation insurance generally covers medical expenses related to workplace injuries, as well as disability benefits depending on the employee’s ability to work and any permanent impairment that results. Injuries covered by workers’ compensation include those from accidents as well as repetitive and cumulative trauma. Employers in Iowa have the right to choose the medical provider for treating the injury. However, disputes may arise if a doctor denies the severity of an injury or if there are disagreements about the treatment.

In such cases, workers can file an appeal for alternative medical treatment with the IWCC. If an employee's condition is unlikely to improve with continued treatment, they may be classified as having a permanent disability. Back-related disabilities are classified as industrial disabilities under workers’ compensation, influencing the duration and amount of permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits, which are determined by factors such as the employee's injury and impairment, restrictions, skills, education, and work experience.

Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

MMI, or maximum medical improvement, indicates that doctors believe the patient's condition is unlikely to improve significantly in the future. However, this assessment can vary among different doctors. Iowa Code Section 85.39 allows workers to seek a second opinion, known as an Independent Medical Examination (IME), at the insurance company's expense. This includes coverage for the examination, mileage, and missed work time.

Choosing the right doctor for an IME is critical, as some doctors may be biased in favor of insurance companies. It is advisable to select a doctor experienced in providing impartial assessments for workers' compensation cases.

 Limits on Procedures or Surgeries Under Workers’ Compensation

There are limits to the number of procedures or surgeries covered under workers’ compensation, which vary based on the injury and medical recommendations. A statute of limitations governs how long a person can receive treatment for a workers' comp accident. For example, chiropractor visits may be covered until the patient heals sufficiently to return to work, even if at a diminished capacity. Workers' compensation would not cover continual chiropractor sessions beyond this point.

Proof and Coverage for Multiple Procedures or Surgeries

Proof is essential for getting workers' compensation to pay for surgeries or procedures needed after an on-the-job injury. The employer’s insurance company will have to validate the claim using physicians of their choosing. If multiple surgeries or procedures are proven necessary, workers' compensation should cover the costs. However, if a claim is denied, as often happens, employees may face significant challenges.

Denial of Claims and Pursuing Compensation

Denial of workers' compensation claims, especially for multiple surgeries or procedures, can be disheartening. For example, an Iowa woman’s claim was denied for multiple surgeries needed for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, leading to a prolonged legal battle. Such denials often stem from the high costs associated with extensive medical treatments. Despite the emotional and physical toll, it is crucial to pursue the necessary medical treatment and seek legal assistance to navigate the complex workers' compensation system.