West Des Moines Workers Compensation Attorneys

When workplace injuries occur, navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming. That's where our West Des Moines workers' compensation attorneys come in. Whether you were injured at Wells Fargo, Hy-vee, UnityPoint, MercyOne, Public Schools, or Public Works, our dedicated experts will advocate for injured workers' rights, ensuring fair treatment and proper compensation.

Understanding Your Rights to Medical Care

Can You See Your Own Doctor?

In Iowa, while you technically have the right to see your own doctor after a work injury, significant limitations exist. Typically, your employer and their insurance carrier direct your medical care to approved physicians. If you seek treatment from an unauthorized doctor, you might have to pay the medical bills yourself.

Employer-Directed Medical Care

Employers in Iowa have the right to choose the medical providers for injured workers. If you are dissatisfied with the care, communicate your concerns with your employer. You can request alternative care, but if denied, you may need to appeal to the workers' compensation commissioner.

Independent Medical Examination (IME)

If you disagree with the impairment rating given by the employer's doctor, you have the right to an IME at the employer’s expense. However, this examination will also be with a doctor selected by the employer.

Petition for Alternate Medical Care

If you need alternative medical care, you can file a petition. This legal process involves demonstrating the necessity of the change and often requires navigating complex legal hurdles, for which a workers' compensation attorney can be invaluable.

Refusing Recommended Medical Care

You have the right to refuse any recommended treatment, but this can impact your claim. For example, refusing a recommended surgery without legal advice could jeopardize your workers' compensation claim.

Dealing with Specific Injuries

Bulging Discs

Bulging or herniated discs are common workplace injuries. Many people have asymptomatic bulging discs, meaning they show no symptoms and continue to work normally. However, if you experience pain radiating to your arms, legs, or other parts of your body, it could indicate a more serious issue.

Symptoms and Treatment

A bulging disc can cause severe pain, weakness, and numbness, especially if it presses on spinal nerves. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, epidural injections, or surgery.

Workplace Impact

Tasks that exacerbate the pain, such as lifting, bending, walking, or extended sitting or standing, should be avoided. If your job involves these activities, seek appropriate medical care promptly.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure for severe back injuries that haven't responded to noninvasive treatments. It involves removing part of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

When Laminectomy is Necessary

Laminectomy may be required for severe, persistent pain or symptoms like weakness, numbness, bladder/bowel dysfunction, or unsteadiness. Sometimes, a spinal fusion is performed alongside to stabilize the spine.

Recovery and Prognosis

Recovery varies, with some workers returning to light-duty work within weeks, while others may need months. The prognosis also varies; some experience significant pain relief, while others may have persistent symptoms requiring further treatment.

Workers' Compensation Coverage

If your laminectomy is due to a work-related injury, workers' compensation should cover your medical expenses. Eligibility for disability benefits depends on the injury’s specifics and your recovery time.

Frozen Shoulder

Each year, hundreds of Iowans sustain work-related shoulder injuries. Some recover well, while others develop frozen shoulder syndrome, a condition that limits shoulder movement. This can result from immobilization after an injury.

Causes and Prognosis

Frozen shoulder involves the stiffening of the shoulder joint, often occurring after immobilization post-surgery or fracture. It progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing, with each stage varying in duration and severity.

Treatment

Treatments include physical therapy, pain medications, and sometimes surgery. Surgeons might manipulate the shoulder under anesthesia or remove scar tissue to restore movement.

Challenges to Claims

Proving a frozen shoulder is work-related can be challenging. Use medical records, physician testimony, and other evidence to support your claim. Workers' compensation should cover all related medical costs, including those for additional surgeries.

Workers' Compensation Benefits

Types of Disability Benefits

- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): For workers missing more than seven days of work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): For workers returning to lower-paying jobs during recovery.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): For workers with permanent impairments.

Factors Influencing PPD

Besides impairment rating, PPD benefits consider factors like age, work experience, present medical condition, functional impairment, and earning capacity.

Getting Legal Assistance In West Des Moines

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 West Des Moines 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.