Palo Workers Compensation Attorneys

Facing legal complexities after a workplace injury can be daunting. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to assist. With relentless dedication and expert knowledge, our team fights for injured workers' rights. We work diligently to secure fair treatment and the compensation you deserve, letting you concentrate on healing.

 Understanding Bulging Discs

Bulging discs, also known as herniated discs, are a prevalent type of work-related injury. This condition occurs when a spongy disc located between vertebrae is damaged, causing it to break open or bulge out, which puts pressure on nerves in the spinal cord. Workers' compensation benefits can be claimed if it can be established that a single workplace accident caused the bulging disc or if it developed over time due to repetitive work-related tasks.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Bulging Disc

When a bulging disc occurs in common areas such as the lower back or neck, pain may radiate to other parts of the body, including:

- Lower Back: Buttocks, hips, and legs.
- Neck: Shoulders and arms.

The most common symptom is pain, often accompanied by weakness and numbness. This pain usually starts as discomfort but can worsen over time, especially with activities such as:

- Lifting
- Bending
- Walking
- Extended sitting
- Standing
- Nighttime

Causes of a Bulging Disc and Workers' Compensation Claims

A bulging disc can result from an accident at work, such as falling from a ladder or slipping on a floor. However, it can also develop from performing repetitive tasks, particularly if these tasks are not done correctly. Jobs that involve a lot of lifting, like those of movers or warehouse workers, can lead to herniated discs due to the constant stress on the back.

Age can be a factor, with middle-aged and older individuals more prone to this type of injury. Nevertheless, to claim workers' compensation, it must be shown that the bulging disc occurred within the scope of employment due to work-related events or tasks. A notice of injury to the employer or a supervisor can help substantiate the claim if it occurred in an accident. If the injury is from repetitive tasks, a doctor's diagnosis linking it to these tasks can be crucial.

Steps to Take When Seeking Workers' Compensation

1. Medical Evaluation: Get evaluated as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis.
2. Inform Employer/Insurer: Notify your employer and file a claim for workers' comp benefits.
3. Claim Benefits: If approved, benefits may include lifetime medical costs related to the injury and disability benefits. Permanent impairment might qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits of 80 percent of weekly spendable wages.

Back injuries are classified as "body as a whole" injuries, with disability benefits paid for a percentage of 500 weeks, based on factors such as impairment rating, age, and earning capacity.

Workers' Bill of Rights in Iowa

Iowa law provides injured workers with ten basic rights to ensure fair treatment and compensation. Here are the first four:

1. Payment of Medical Care Including Mileage:
   - Employers and insurers must cover medical care and treatment, including paying for treatment options they offer. In specific circumstances, such as when a claim is denied, they may be responsible for costs incurred with unapproved medical providers.
   - Reimbursement for mileage to and from medical appointments is at the rate of $.545 per mile after July 1, 2018.

2. Money for Permanent Disability:
   - If an injury causes a permanent disability, workers are entitled to compensation based on impairment ratings and pre-injury earnings. Permanent restrictions due to injury may also qualify for additional compensation.

3. Right to Refuse Medical Care:
   - Workers can refuse recommended medical procedures, such as surgery, though this may impact their case.

4. Weekly Benefit Checks During Recovery:
   - While unable to work, workers receive weekly benefit checks based on their average weekly wage (AWW). These benefits cover temporary total disability (TTD) when unable to work and temporary partial disability (TPD) when working fewer than 40 hours per week.

The weekly benefit rate is calculated based on average earnings, marital status, dependents, and other factors. Accurate calculation is crucial as errors can significantly impact total compensation.

Working with a Bulging Disc

Bulging and herniated discs do not always cause pain. Many people may have a bulging disc without symptoms (asymptomatic). However, if pain radiates to arms, hands, legs, or feet due to a bulging disc, it signifies a more severe problem that may result in permanent disability and impairment. Immediate medical attention is essential.

Symptoms to Monitor:
- Pain spreading to buttocks, hips, legs, shoulders, or arms.
- Weakness and numbness accompanying the pain.
- Discomfort worsening with activities like lifting, bending, walking, extended sitting, standing, or at night.

Treatment Options:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural injections
- Surgery (if recommended by a doctor)

Getting Legal Assistance In Palo

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 Palo 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.