Slater Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal landscape after a workplace injury can be intimidating. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to support you. With relentless dedication and specialized knowledge, our team is devoted to advocating for the rights of injured workers. We ensure you receive fair treatment and the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing.

Impairment Ratings Overview for Workers' Compensation in Iowa

When filing a workers' compensation claim in Iowa, you may encounter the term “impairment rating.” Medical professionals provide impairment ratings to injured workers to assess the severity of their impairment, which directly influences the amount of compensation they will receive. Here is an in-depth overview of the impairment ratings process and related considerations for workers’ compensation in Iowa.

Definition of Impairment

In the context of workers' compensation, an impairment is defined as the inability of a patient to:
1. Use their bones, muscles, joints, limbs, ligaments, and tendons as effectively as they did prior to the injury.
2. Control their spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerves as they did before the injury.

Doctors assess impairments through various medical tests and procedures to determine the level of lost ability.

How Impairment Ratings are Determined

If a patient shows any loss of function, the doctor assigns an impairment rating using the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. The doctor may also use personal judgment based on the patient’s pre-injury medical condition. If the impairment falls within a certain range, the doctor will consider activities of daily living (ADL), which include personal hygiene, communication, physical activity, sexual activity, sensory function, travel, and sleep.

The impairment rating affects job functionality. For example, a 30% impairment rating can be significant for a physically demanding job like carpentry but less impactful for a sedentary job. The process involves recording medical history, performing physical evaluations, checking vital signs, and assessing ADL impacts. Doctors also inquire about medications and may refer patients to specialists if chronic injuries are present.

Injuries and Workers’ Compensation for Amazon Employees

Amazon, the largest online retailer globally, employs numerous workers, including many drivers who face physically demanding and hazardous conditions, especially in adverse weather.

Common Injuries for Amazon Drivers

Falls
Amazon drivers often sustain injuries such as broken bones, herniated discs, concussions, and other serious injuries caused by falls. These falls can be due to snow, ice, or obstacles like boxes and landscaping.

Traumatic Injuries
These injuries occur immediately, such as lifting a heavy box and tearing a rotator cuff, or experiencing sudden lower back pain and sciatica from lifting. Treatments can range from epidural steroid injections to surgeries like laminectomy or lumbar fusion.

Cumulative Trauma
Overuse injuries from repetitive tasks, including neck and back injuries, knee issues, and carpal tunnel syndrome, develop over time. Despite claims often being denied due to pre-existing conditions, Iowa law recognizes both traumatic and cumulative injuries. An experienced workers' comp attorney can help navigate these challenges.

Handling Denied Claims

Claim denials are common, often due to insurers attributing issues to pre-existing conditions. However, Iowa law provides compensation if work aggravates a pre-existing condition. Consulting an experienced workers' comp attorney can ensure you receive deserved compensation.

Workers' Compensation for Mental Health Therapy

Mental health conditions like PTSD can arise from workplace injuries or traumatic events witnessed on the job. Understanding when and how workers' compensation applies to mental health therapy is essential.

Applicability of Workers' Compensation for Mental Health

Mental health conditions eligible for workers' comp include PTSD from severe workplace injuries or traumatic events. High-stress jobs, such as EMTs and firefighters, may result in these conditions over time.

Challenges in Mental Health Claims

Proving causation is the primary challenge in mental health-related workers' comp claims. This requires a medical diagnosis and evidence linking the condition to a workplace incident. Mental health issues often develop over time, complicating the claim process.

Getting Legal Assistance In Slater

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 Slater 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.