The timeline for receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Iowa depends on your situation. To protect your rights, you must report your injury to your employer within 90 days of the incident. Failing to do so may prevent you from receiving benefits. Once you report your injury, your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) within four days if you’ve missed more than three days of work or sustained a permanent injury. If no work comp benefits are paid, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a petition with the WCD. If weekly work comp benefits in the form of TTD, healing period, or PPD are paid, then you have 3 years from the date of last payment.
Workers’ compensation provides coverage for medical treatments immediately after your injury. This ensures you can access the care you need without delays. However, wage replacement benefits, such as temporary total disability (TTD) or healing period, follow specific rules. If your injury causes you to miss more than three calendar days of work, replacement benefits will begin on the fourth day you’re off work. Your replacement benefits will continue until you return to work or recover enough to perform similar work. If you’re off work for more than seven calendar days, you’ll also receive compensation for the initial three-day waiting period.
If your employer disputes or denies your claim, the timeline to receive benefits may be much longer. You’ll likely need to file a petition with the Workers’ Compensation Division and go through the formal dispute resolution process.
Contact Our Des Moines, IA, Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Now for Assistance
Partnering with an experienced Iowa workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference. The team at Loney & Schueller, LLC can guide you through every step, help you meet all the required deadlines, and advocate for the full benefits you qualify for. We can also help expedite the process where possible, minimizing delays so you can focus on your recovery. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
