Kingsley Workers Compensation Attorneys

Legal hurdles following a workplace injury can be daunting. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to guide you. With relentless dedication and expert knowledge, our team is committed to advocating for the rights of injured workers. We ensure you receive fair treatment and the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing.

Understanding workers' compensation in Iowa is essential for both employees and employers to ensure proper handling of workplace injuries and claims. This article delves into how medical bills are paid, when to hire a workers' compensation attorney, and the conditions under which an employer can require an employee to return to work after surgery.

How Medical Bills Are Paid for Iowa Workers' Compensation

In Iowa, employers and their insurance companies generally have the authority to select the medical providers for injured workers. They are also responsible for paying the medical bills from these chosen providers. However, several nuances are involved in this process.

Authorized Providers

To ensure payment, medical providers must be authorized by the workers' compensation insurance company. Unauthorized providers risk not being reimbursed and may have to seek payment from the patient’s health insurance or directly from the patient.

Denied Claims

When a workers' compensation claim is denied, the injured worker should receive a denial letter. Under Iowa Code § 85.38(2)(a), if the claim is denied, the patient's health insurance must cover the medical costs, preventing non-occupational plans from denying payment based on unresolved employer liability.

Disputes Over Medical Bills

Even authorized providers may face payment reductions after insurance company audits. These disputes over reasonable charges should be resolved between the provider and the insurance company, not involving the injured worker. If unresolved, disputes can be brought before the Iowa Workers' Compensation agency.

When to Hire a Workers' Compensation Attorney

Not all work injuries necessitate hiring a workers' compensation lawyer. However, there are certain situations where legal assistance is highly beneficial:

When You Might Not Need an Attorney

1. Minor injuries that do not result in missed work or permanent damage.
2. Injuries leading to a short absence from work, full medical bill coverage, and a complete recovery.

When You Should Consider Hiring an Attorney

1. Serious injuries requiring surgery, extended time off, and resulting in permanent issues.
2. Being fired after sustaining a work injury.
3. Permanent work restrictions that the employer cannot accommodate.
4. Injuries caused by third-party negligence (e.g., car accidents while on duty).
5. Disagreements over functional impairment ratings or if there are signs your rights are being violated.

Signs You Need an Attorney

- Delayed or denied medical care.
- Late payments of benefits.
- Permanent complications from the injury.
  
If any of these issues arise, it’s crucial to contact an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Can My Employer Force Me to Return to Work After Surgery?

Returning to work after surgery depends on the restrictions set by the treating surgeon and the readiness of the employee.

If the Doctor Says You Cannot Work

If your doctor states that you are unable to work, you should not be forced to return. You are entitled to receive weekly workers' compensation benefits during this period, as long as the injury is acknowledged as work-related by the insurance company.

If the Doctor Imposes Work Restrictions

If you are given work restrictions (e.g., light duty), you should notify your employer, provide them with the restrictions, and be willing to work within those limits. If work is offered within these restrictions, you must attempt to do it. Keep a copy of the restrictions and inform your employer and doctor if any issues arise.

If the Employer Cannot Accommodate Restrictions

If your employer cannot provide suitable work within your restrictions, you should inform the insurance company and seek temporary total disability (TTD) benefits.

Consequences of Refusing Suitable Work

Refusing work within your restrictions can lead to several negative outcomes:
1. Loss of weekly workers' compensation benefits.
2. Potential termination from your job.
3. Denial of unemployment benefits.
4. Reduction in the overall value of your workers' compensation case.

It’s important to attempt the work offered and communicate any difficulties to your employer and doctor promptly to avoid these consequences.

Getting Legal Assistance In Kingsley

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 Kingsley 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.