Manning Workers Compensation Attorneys

Navigating legal issues after a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to support you. With unwavering dedication and specialized expertise, our team fights for injured workers' rights. We work meticulously to secure fair treatment and proper compensation, letting you concentrate on recovery.

Workers' compensation benefits serve as a crucial safety net for employees who sustain injuries while performing their job duties. Among the injuries that can occur in the workplace, calcaneus (heel bone) fractures and rotator cuff injuries are notable for their potential to cause significant disability. This article explores these injuries, their causes, symptoms, treatments, and the workers' compensation benefits available for affected employees, including considerations for benefits beyond the age of 65.

Calcaneus Fracture Work Injury & Workers’ Compensation

A calcaneus fracture, commonly known as a heel bone fracture, can be a debilitating injury often resulting in long-term disability. This type of injury frequently occurs in high-impact scenarios such as car accidents or falls from elevated surfaces, making it a common concern for delivery drivers and construction workers.

Causes and Symptoms of a Calcaneus Fracture

Calcaneus fractures typically result from:
- High-impact collisions, such as car accidents.
- Falls from height, for example, a construction worker falling from a platform.

Symptoms of a calcaneus fracture include:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bruising
- Deformed heel
- Inability to bear weight on the heel
- Difficulty walking

Severity and Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures

The severity of a calcaneus fracture varies:
- Stable fractures: Minor fractures where the bone ends align correctly. These are usually treated with immobilization.
- Displaced fractures: Serious fractures requiring surgical intervention to realign the bone ends, often using screws and metal plates.
- Open (compound) fractures: These fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, increase the risk of infection and typically require immediate surgery.
- Comminuted fractures: The most severe type, where the bone shatters into multiple pieces, necessitating complex surgical procedures.

Recovery involves avoiding weight-bearing activities for weeks to months, depending on the injury's severity and treatment plan. Rehabilitation focuses on muscle strengthening and improving range of motion. However, complications such as joint stiffness, chronic pain, or an altered gait can persist, affecting long-term recovery.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Calcaneus Fractures

To qualify for workers' compensation, the injury must occur within the scope of employment. Benefits include:
- Medical benefits: Covering all injury-related medical expenses.
- Disability benefits: Providing partial wages during recovery.
- Permanent disability benefits: For injuries resulting in permanent disability.

Workers’ Compensation for Rotator Cuff Surgery or Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries are prevalent among workers engaged in repetitive overhead motions or heavy lifting, such as warehouse and construction workers. These injuries can severely restrict mobility and cause significant pain, impacting the ability to perform routine tasks.

Causes and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries usually develop over time due to tendon degeneration from repetitive motions. Symptoms include:
- Pain
- Loss of mobility
- Arm weakness

Workers’ Compensation for Rotator Cuff Injuries

In Iowa, workers' compensation covers rotator cuff injuries and necessary surgical procedures, provided the injury is work-related.

Benefits for Rotator Cuff Injuries Under Workers’ Comp

Workers' compensation provides:
- Medical benefits: Covering the full cost of medical treatment, including surgery.
- Disability benefits: Compensating for lost wages during recovery.

Adherence to doctor-recommended treatments is crucial. Elective procedures not recommended by a doctor may not be covered. Following medical advice and not returning to work prematurely are essential to maintaining eligibility for benefits.

Steps to File a Workers' Compensation Claim

1. Notify your employer: Immediately report the injury.
2. Gather medical evidence: Substantiate the injury and its work-related cause.
3. Follow medical advice: Adhere to treatment plans and recovery guidelines.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Retirement

In Iowa, workers' compensation benefits do not automatically cease at age 65. However, the interaction between workers' compensation and Social Security benefits can be complex.

Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits

1. Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Paid until the injured worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).
2. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Based on impairment ratings and other factors, extending beyond age 65.
3. Medical Benefits: Lifetime medical benefits for work-related injuries, unless a settlement is reached.

Impact of Social Security Benefits

Receiving Social Security benefits, such as SSI or SSDI, can affect the amount of workers' compensation benefits. An offset evaluation determines any reductions in monthly payments, ensuring the combined benefits do not exceed 80% of the worker's highest earnings in the five years prior to the injury.

Getting Legal Assistance In Manning

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 Manning 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.