Sergeant Bluff Workers Compensation Attorneys

Navigating legal challenges after a workplace injury can feel overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to help. With relentless dedication and expert knowledge, our team stands up for the rights of injured workers. We work meticulously to secure fair treatment and deserved compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

What to Do if You Get Hurt While Working for FedEx, UPS, or USPS

If you are injured while working for a delivery service like FedEx, UPS, or Amazon, you are covered by workers’ compensation laws. However, if you work for the USPS or another branch of the federal government, your case will be handled under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). This article will guide you through the essential steps to take if you are injured on the job and help you understand your rights under Iowa law.

Reporting Your Work Injury

If you are injured at work, report the injury to your employer immediately. Ensure this is done in writing and keep a copy for your records. Although Iowa law allows up to 90 days to report a work-related condition, delaying can complicate your claim. Always inform your medical providers that your injury is work-related and report it to your employer as soon as possible.

Be Ready and Willing to Work

If a doctor releases you back to work with restrictions, notify your employer that you are ready to work within those limitations. Failure to do so can result in losing your weekly benefits. If your employer offers you work within your restrictions, try to perform it. If the work causes problems, report this to your employer and consult your doctor to see if different or additional restrictions are necessary.

Continue to Treat for Your Injuries

Follow through with all recommended treatments, such as physical therapy, even if there are delays in approval from workers’ compensation. Not adhering to your treatment plan can hurt your case and your health.

Follow Your Doctor's Orders

Adhere to your doctor's restrictions both at work and at home. Workers’ compensation insurance companies may use surveillance to catch you doing activities beyond your restrictions. If caught, this can damage your credibility and jeopardize your compensation and job.

Work Within Your Restrictions

If your employer asks you to work outside of your restrictions, refer to your doctor's orders and politely refuse. Keep a copy of your work restrictions handy to show your employer if needed.

Do Not Discuss Retirement

Avoid discussing any plans for retirement, as this can be used against you to reduce your compensation. Employers and insurance companies may try to minimize the amount they have to pay you, so it is crucial to protect yourself by not revealing such plans.

Know Your Rights Under Iowa Law

Iowa law provides 10 basic rights for injured workers. Here are the first four:

1. Payment of Medical Care Including Mileage: Your employer or their insurance must cover your medical expenses. If your claim is denied and later determined to be work-related, they must reimburse you for those expenses. You are also entitled to mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments.

2. Money for Permanent Disability: If your injury results in a permanent disability, you are entitled to compensation based on the extent of your disability and your average weekly earnings before the injury.

3. Right to Refuse Medical Care: You can refuse any medical procedure recommended by the company doctor, such as surgery. However, this decision may impact your case, so consult with an attorney before refusing treatment.

4. Weekly Benefit Checks: While you recover and cannot work, you will receive weekly benefit checks. The amount is based on your average weekly wage prior to the injury and other factors such as marital status and number of exemptions.

Seeing Your Own Doctor

While you have the right to see your own doctor, your employer and their insurance carrier will usually only pay for approved medical care. If you are dissatisfied with the company doctor, you may request alternative care, but this can be denied, requiring you to appeal the decision.

Filing for Unemployment

Do not immediately file for unemployment if your TTD benefits are denied. You cannot receive both TTD and unemployment benefits simultaneously. However, you may eventually qualify for both unemployment and PPD benefits. If you lack sufficient work credits due to missed quarters while receiving TTD, you can appeal for the correct quarters to be used.

Can You Be Fired While on Light Duty?

In Iowa, most employees are at will, meaning they can be fired at any time. However, if you are a union member, you can file a grievance. If your employer violates laws such as the ADA or FMLA, you may be able to get your job back by filing a complaint with the EEOC or Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Consult with an attorney about your workers' compensation and employment law cases.

Workers' Compensation Benefits and Retirement

Work comp benefits in Iowa do not automatically stop at age 65. Benefits like TTD and PPD continue based on your impairment rating and other factors. If you receive Social Security benefits, these may impact your workers' compensation benefits.

Medical Benefits

You are entitled to lifetime medical benefits for your work injury, assuming you did not settle your case. However, insurance companies may deny ongoing care, attributing your condition to other factors like arthritis. If you are denied care, consult with an attorney to explore your options.

Getting Legal Assistance In Sergeant Bluff

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 Sergeant Bluff 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.