Northwood Workers Compensation Attorneys

Legal issues after a workplace injury can be intimidating. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to guide you. With steadfast dedication and expertise, our team fights for the rights of injured workers. We work diligently to secure fair treatment and rightful compensation, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Understanding the Value of Your Iowa Work Injury Case

If you've been injured at work in Iowa, comprehending the calculation of your workers' compensation checks is essential. Various factors determine the value of your case, and knowing these can significantly affect your compensation.

Types of Work Injuries in Iowa

Iowa's workers' compensation system differentiates between two primary categories of injuries: scheduled member injuries and unscheduled member injuries.

1. Scheduled Member Injuries: These include injuries to specific body parts like the arm, hand, fingers, leg, foot, toes, ears, or eyes.
2. Unscheduled Member Injuries: These involve injuries to the back, neck, brain, shoulder, nervous system, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and skin, considered injuries to the body as a whole.

Compensation Differences

The distinction between these two categories is crucial because it determines the compensation for permanent disability under Iowa’s workers' compensation system.

Scheduled Member Injuries

Compensation for scheduled member injuries is based on a percentage of 250 weeks, depending on the impairment rating of the injured body part. For example, if a worker sustains a 10% permanent impairment rating to their arm, they would receive 25 weeks (250 weeks x 10%) of permanent disability benefits.

Unscheduled Member Injuries

For injuries to the body as a whole, compensation is based on a percentage of 500 weeks. The specific amount depends on several factors, including:
- The ability to work
- Permanent restrictions
- Education
- Age
- Whether surgery was performed
- Permanent impairment rating
- Other various factors

For instance, a 10% impairment rating to the arm might convert to a 6% body as a whole rating, resulting in a minimum of 30 weeks (500 weeks x 6%) of benefits. However, this can increase based on additional factors, such as the inability to return to previous work, potentially leading to much higher compensation.

Special Considerations: Second Injury Fund

In cases where an injured worker has previously sustained an injury to another scheduled member, they might be entitled to additional benefits under the Iowa Second Injury Fund Act. This can provide compensation as if they sustained an unscheduled member injury, which could significantly increase the benefits.

Duration of Workers' Compensation Benefits

Unlike some states, Iowa does not impose a strict limit on the duration of workers' compensation benefits while recovering from work injuries. As long as you are receiving medical care that improves your condition and have not reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), you can continue to receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits.

Job Protection During Workers' Compensation

Your job might not be protected while receiving workers' compensation benefits. Under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can receive up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave. However, exceeding this period might result in termination, although additional protections could be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or union agreements.

Filing for Unemployment or Social Security Disability

If you are terminated after completing medical care, consulting a qualified work injury attorney is crucial. They can help navigate the process and seek appropriate compensation. While you may consider filing for unemployment if you are no longer receiving TTD benefits, you cannot receive both simultaneously. Moreover, if contemplating Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), be aware that filing too soon can affect your workers' compensation case and SSDI approval can be challenging, especially for those under 55 years of age.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Workers' Compensation in Iowa

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a common repetitive stress injury, can be debilitating, affecting your ability to work. Workers in manufacturing, office settings, or using vibrating equipment are particularly susceptible. Iowa workers' compensation covers medical and disability benefits for such injuries, though proving these claims can be complex.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands. Treatment often starts with non-surgical methods such as wrist splints and anti-inflammatory drugs but may require surgery if these are ineffective. Recovery from surgery can be lengthy, and complications like infection, nerve damage, or loss of wrist strength can occur.

Challenges with Claims

Proving that carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related can be difficult due to the nature of repetitive stress injuries. Insurers may dispute the work-related cause or the extent of impairment. Legal assistance can be pivotal in substantiating claims, securing necessary medical treatments, and ensuring fair compensation.

Getting Legal Assistance In Northwood

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 Northwood 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.