When Iowa workers suffer illnesses or serious accidents on the job, they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Navigating this system can make life feel overwhelming, but a Davenport workers’ compensation lawyer can help. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve.
Why Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?
A workers’ compensation lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your compensation that covers medical bills, ensures payments for injuries, and prevents sudden check stoppages. They protect employees’ rights and handle issues like disputes, the appeals process, or employer retaliation.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
If someone other than an employer or coworker caused an injury through negligence, the injured party can sue that third party. This allows them to seek additional damages—like pain and suffering—beyond workers’ compensation. Examples include construction accidents, faulty machinery, car accidents, or unsafe conditions on someone else’s property.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in Iowa?
Most Iowa employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance under the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Act (Iowa Code § 85). This law defines Iowa’s workers compensation program that provides medical treatment, wage replacement, and rehabilitation benefits for employees injured or made ill due to their work, regardless of fault. If your job caused your injury or illness, you may qualify for these benefits.
What Are Iowa Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) in Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL) governs the state’s workers’ compensation system. The Workers’ Compensation Program is administered by the Third Party Administrator (TPA), Sedgwick. The benefits include:
- Medical benefits: covers reasonable treatment for work injuries. Workers can choose care in emergencies if employers aren’t available.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): wage replacement and medical care for workers temporarily unable to work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): benefits for workers returning to work with reduced earnings after an injury.
- Healing Period (HP): immediate benefits for workers with permanent impairments, with no waiting period required.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): benefits for workers with permanent impairments.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): lifetime financial support for workers with permanent disabilities.
- Second Injury Fund (SIF): covers the gap in disability for workers with injuries to multiple limbs or eyes.
- Vocational rehabilitation: support for workers unable to return to their previous job.
- Death benefits: financial and funeral expenses support the surviving spouse or family of workers who died from work-related injuries or illnesses.
Why Can Iowa Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
In Iowa, workers’ comp claims can be denied for missing legal deadlines, lack of medical evidence, disputes over whether the injury is work-related, or preexisting conditions. Claims can also be denied if the injury resulted from intentional misconduct or if the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Common Types of Work-Related Accidents in Davenport
Some common workplace injuries and accidents workers have suffered include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Burns or chemical exposures
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Machinery injuries
- Overexertion injuries
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the more common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck, spine, and back injuries
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident in Davenport, Iowa?
Under Iowa law, if you’re injured or become ill due to your job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and visit an approved occupational clinic for treatment, saving your medical records. The First Report of Injury (FROI) will be sent to Sedgwick to be processed.
Contact a Davenport Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
The experienced personal injury attorneys in our law firm can help injured employees file claims to secure the compensation they deserve. Schedule a free consultation today to review your case and start the recovery process.
(312) 223-1700