Des Moines Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

When Iowa workers suffer illnesses or serious accidents on the job, they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Navigating this system can be overwhelming, but a Des Moines workers’ compensation lawyer can help. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve. Call us for a free initial consultation.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me With My Workers’ Comp Case in Des Moines?

What Is Iowa’s Workers’ Compensation System?

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. Coverage begins on the first day of employment in Iowa.

What Are Iowa Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

The Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) in Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and 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: 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: support for the surviving spouse or eligible family members 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. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help with claim denials.

Common Types of Work-Related Accidents in Des Moines, IA

Workers face a range of injuries and accidents on the job. Some of the most common include slip and fall accidents, burns or chemical exposures, repetitive motion injuries, machinery injuries, and overexertion injuries.

Most Common Workplace Injuries

Some of the more common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Sprains, strains, and shoulder injuries
• 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 Des Moines, Iowa?

Under Iowa law, if you’ve suffered injuries or have fallen 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 copies of your medical bills.

Iowa enforces strict time limits: two years to file a workers’ compensation claim, and you must report the injury to your employer within 90 days of its occurrence. The First Report of Injury (FROI) will be sent to Sedgwick to be processed.

Why Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?

With a deep understanding of Iowa workers’ compensation law, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to secure the benefits you deserve. An experienced attorney ensures your benefits continue without unexpected interruptions. They protect employees’ rights and handle issues like disputes, the appeals process, or employer retaliation (retaliation for filing a claim is illegal in Iowa).

What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

If someone other than an employer or coworker caused an injury, the injured party can sue that third party. A personal injury claim allows them to seek additional damages—like pain and suffering—beyond workers’ compensation.

For example, if you are involved in a work-related car accident caused by a careless driver, you may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Des Moines and the surrounding area can represent you in a third-party negligence case.

Contact a Des Moines Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

The experienced personal injury attorneys in our law firm file claims to secure the compensation our clients deserve during a difficult time. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your specific situation and begin the road to recovery.