Traer Workers Compensation Attorneys

Legal challenges following a workplace injury can be daunting. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to guide you. 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.

Since 1913, Iowa law has recognized the needs of injured workers, mandating that employers obtain workers' compensation insurance or be approved as self-insurers to cover their employees. Despite these protections, employers may not inform you of all your rights under the law. If you suffer a work-related injury or occupational disease, you have ten basic rights under Iowa law. Here, we will discuss the first four, along with important information on rotator cuff injuries and when to hire a workers' compensation attorney.

The Injured Workers' Bill of Rights

1. Payment of Medical Care Including Mileage:
   - Medical Expenses: Employers or their insurance companies must provide and pay for your medical care and treatment. This includes all approved treatment options. If your claim is denied but later determined to be work-related, they are responsible for your medical expenses, including treatments from non-approved providers under certain conditions.
   - Mileage Expenses: You are entitled to reimbursement at the rate of $.545 per mile (as of July 1, 2018) for travel to and from medical appointments, physical therapy sessions, and other related visits.

2. Money for Permanent Disability:
   - If your injury or occupational disease results in permanent disability, you are entitled to compensation. This is based on the affected body part, the nature and extent of your disability, and your average weekly earnings before the injury. Even without an impairment rating, permanent restrictions due to your injury may qualify you for additional compensation.

3. Right to Refuse Medical Care:
   - You have the right to refuse any medical procedure or care, such as surgery, recommended by the company doctor. However, refusal might impact your case, so consider the implications carefully.

4. Weekly Benefit Checks While You Recover:
   - If you are unable to work while healing, you will receive weekly benefit checks to replace your usual earnings. This applies whether you are completely unable to work (temporary total disability benefits, TTD) or working fewer than 40 hours per week (temporary partial disability benefits, TPD). The amount of your weekly benefit is based on your average earnings before the injury (Average Weekly Wage, AWW), marital status, number of exemptions, and 80% of your spendable weekly earnings.

Workers' Compensation for Rotator Cuff Injuries

A rotator cuff injury can prevent you from performing your job and routine activities. If this injury is work-related, you are likely eligible for workers' compensation insurance, which covers medical costs, including surgery.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

A rotator cuff injury affects the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint, causing pain, loss of mobility, and arm weakness. These injuries typically develop over time due to tendon degeneration from repetitive overhead motions or heavy lifting, making warehouse and construction workers particularly susceptible.

Does Workers' Compensation Cover Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Yes, Iowa workers' compensation insurance covers all injuries sustained during work-related activities, including rotator cuff injuries and the necessary surgical procedures.

Types of Benefits for Rotator Cuff Injuries

- Medical Benefits: Workers' compensation covers all reasonable medical expenses related to recovery and rehabilitation from the injury.
- Disability Benefits: These benefits help compensate for lost wages during recovery.

When Should You Hire a Workers' Compensation Attorney?

Not all work injuries require legal representation. For minor injuries with full recovery and paid medical bills, a lawyer may not be necessary. However, certain situations do warrant hiring an experienced workers' comp lawyer:

1. Serious Work Injuries: If your injury requires surgery, significant time off, and results in permanent problems or restrictions.
2. Termination After Injury: If you are fired following a work injury.
3. Permanent Work Restrictions: If your employer cannot accommodate your permanent restrictions, leading to job loss.
4. Injuries Due to Third-Party Negligence: Such cases involve personal injury claims and workers' compensation, requiring navigation of complex legal issues.
5. Disputed Impairment Ratings: If you disagree with a functional impairment rating assigned to you.

If you experience delays or denials in medical care, late checks, or anticipate permanent issues, it is advisable to contact a work comp lawyer.

Workers' Compensation for Mental Health Therapy

Mental health conditions like PTSD, resulting from severe work injuries or traumatic events, may also qualify for workers' comp benefits. These conditions often develop over time and require a medical diagnosis to connect them to work-related events.

Benefits for Mental Health Therapy

- Workers' compensation should cover therapy costs if you provide proper evidence and medical corroboration linking the mental health condition to a work-related incident.

Getting Legal Assistance In Traer

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 Traer 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.