Sibley 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 Iowa Workers' Compensation for Volunteers and Work-Related Injuries

Iowa workers' compensation laws primarily cover employees, providing benefits for medical care and lost wages due to work-related injuries. However, certain volunteers also qualify for these benefits under specific conditions. This article explores the circumstances under which volunteers can receive compensation, how medical bills are handled in workers' compensation cases, and addresses the challenges associated with work-related injuries such as frozen shoulder syndrome.

Iowa Workers' Compensation for Volunteers

In Iowa, volunteers generally do not qualify for workers' compensation unless specified by law. Iowa Code §85.36(9)(a) extends compensation to volunteer firefighters, emergency personnel, reserve police officers, ambulance drivers, and other volunteer medical personnel. These volunteers are eligible for medical care, mileage for medical travel, wage replacement while recovering, and compensation for permanent injuries. The compensation calculation is based on either the volunteer's regular job wages or 140% of the statewide average weekly wage, whichever is higher, typically around $1,100 gross.

Coverage for Other Volunteer Roles

Other volunteer roles may also qualify for workers' compensation, depending on the specifics of each case. For instance, students in work-study programs, elected or appointed officials (like mayors or city council members), and inmates working in prisons or public/charitable facilities are often considered employees for compensation purposes. However, wage laws for these groups differ from those for volunteer medical personnel.

Medical Bill Payments Under Iowa Workers' Compensation

Iowa follows an "employer choice" model for workers' compensation, meaning employers and their insurance providers select the medical providers for injured workers. These providers must be authorized by the insurance company to ensure payment for their services. Unauthorized providers may need to seek payment from the patient's health insurance or directly from the patient.

If a workers' compensation claim is denied, the injured worker receives a denial letter, which can be provided to medical providers. According to Iowa Code §85.38(2)(a), if the employer denies liability, the employee's health insurance must cover the medical expenses, regardless of the unresolved employer liability.

Authorized Medical Providers and Billing Disputes

Authorized medical providers should obtain written approval for their services from the workers' compensation insurance company. Despite authorization, insurers often audit and reduce payments to providers, who may not bill the injured worker for the difference. Disputes over charges can be taken to the Iowa Workers' Compensation agency without involving the injured worker. Navigating the billing process can be complex, but following proper procedures can mitigate difficulties.

Work-Related Frozen Shoulder and Workers' Compensation

Frozen shoulder syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis, is a common work-related injury in Iowa. This condition involves a loss of shoulder motion due to thickening and stiffening of connective tissue around the shoulder joint, often following immobilization after an injury or surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons outlines three stages of frozen shoulder:

1. Freezing: Gradual stiffening over six weeks to nine months.
2. Frozen: Severe motion restriction lasting four to six months.
3. Thawing: Gradual return of movement over six months to two years.

Treatment typically includes physical therapy, pain medications, cortisone injections, and, in severe cases, surgery to break or remove scar tissue.

Challenges in Claiming Workers' Compensation for Frozen Shoulder

Proving that frozen shoulder is a work-related injury can be challenging. Claimants must demonstrate that the condition resulted from another work-related injury requiring immobilization. Medical records, physician testimony, and other evidence are crucial in establishing the connection.

Workers' compensation benefits for frozen shoulder include coverage for all related medical treatments. If the condition stems from surgery required by another work injury, both the initial and subsequent treatments are covered. Temporary disability benefits are available for those unable to work or working with reduced capacity. Permanent partial disability benefits may be granted based on the impairment rating and other factors for industrial (unscheduled) disabilities like shoulder injuries.

Getting Legal Assistance In Sibley

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 Sibley 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.