Tama Workers Compensation Attorneys

Legal challenges following a workplace injury can be intimidating. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to help. With relentless dedication and expert skills, our team advocates for the rights of injured workers. We ensure fair treatment and rightful compensation, so you can concentrate on healing.

Work-Related Frozen Shoulder & Recovering Workers' Compensation

Each year, hundreds of Iowans sustain work-related shoulder injuries. While some recover fully, others develop frozen shoulder syndrome, a condition characterized by the loss of range of motion in the shoulder. This can occur due to immobilization in a sling or from the shoulder injury itself. Frozen shoulder can be a devastating injury with limited treatment options. Initially, physical therapy, often involving home exercises, is recommended. Another treatment is manipulation under anesthesia, where the doctor moves the shoulder while the patient is unconscious, which can be quite painful post-procedure.

Frozen Shoulder Causes and Prognosis

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is the stiffening of the shoulder joint. The surrounding capsule of connective tissue and synovial fluid can thicken and stiffen, causing the condition. Though its exact cause is unknown, it often follows periods of immobilization after surgery or a fracture. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, frozen shoulder progresses through stages:

- Freezing: Gradual stiffening over six weeks to nine months.
- Frozen: Difficulty in movement despite reduced pain, lasting four to six months.
- Thawing: Gradual return of movement over six months to two years.

Treatment options include pain medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy. Surgery is considered if these methods fail, involving either forced movement under anesthesia or removal of scar tissue.

Challenges to Frozen Shoulder Claims

Proving that a frozen shoulder is work-related can be challenging. It may be work-related if it results from immobilization after another injury. Claimants need medical records, physician testimony, and other evidence to support their claims. Workers' compensation benefits include medical benefits for treatment costs and disability benefits if the worker cannot work or returns to work at reduced capacity.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Iowa for Loss of Limb and Loss of Digit

Thousands of Iowans suffer work-related injuries annually, some involving the loss of a limb or digit. There are two types of loss in a workers' compensation context:

1. Traumatic amputation: Losing part or all of a limb.
2. Functional impairment: Permanent disability resulting in a functional impairment rating.

Scheduled Member Injuries

Iowa's workers' compensation system categorizes loss of limb as scheduled member injuries:

- Arm: Up to 250 weeks of benefits.
- Hand: Up to 190 weeks of benefits.
- Leg: Up to 220 weeks of benefits.
- Foot: Up to 150 weeks of benefits.

Additional Compensation

Before settling a loss of limb case, it’s crucial to consult an attorney to explore other potential benefits. Considerations include:

- Second Injury Fund: Additional compensation if you have previous injuries.
- Mental Health Issues: Compensation for conditions like depression or PTSD.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Severe pain and loss of function could entitle you to more compensation.
- Additional Injuries: Problems with other body parts following the initial injury may warrant more benefits.
- Bilateral Injuries: Injuries to both hands, arms, legs, or eyes can lead to additional compensation.

Your Right to Workers' Compensation for Work-Related Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis, a defect or fracture in the pars interarticularis, may lead to vertebra slippage, causing low back pain. This condition can result from genetics, sudden trauma, or repetitive stress on the spine. If work-related, an Iowa workers' compensation lawyer can assist in filing a claim.

Facts About Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis can occur at any age, affecting 4-6% of the U.S. population. It can cause spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra slips forward, potentially compressing the spinal cord and causing back pain.

Forms of Spondylolisthesis

- Degenerative: Caused by aging and wear and tear on the spine.
- Spondylolytic: Caused by a pars fracture, often due to repetitive stress or trauma.

Work-Related Activity or Accidents

Jobs with regular stress on the lower back, like construction, gardening, roofing, and painting, pose risks for spondylolysis. Symptoms include chronic low back pain, pain that worsens with bending, leg weakness, slowed reflexes, and tingling.

Getting Legal Assistance In Tama

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 Tama 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.