What Happens In An Iowa Workers’ Compensation Case?
The workers’ compensation claims process is the system that is used to help you obtain the benefits you need after suffering a workplace injury. The process has various requirements, and you must meet those specific rules in order to obtain benefits. It is an administrative proceeding and you need an experienced Iowa workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the process and relieve the stress of dealing with the insurance company, who may be trying to deny your claim.
We know how hard it can be to navigate the workers’ compensation system. Our attorneys are here to serve as your guides throughout the process. Loney & Schueller focuses solely on injury law. We are on your side, protecting your rights. We explain the workers’ compensation claim process to you to help you understand it and to relieve your worry so you can focus on your health.
What Are Your Rights And What Should You Expect After Reporting An On-The-Job Injury?
After a workplace injury, the injured worker needs to take certain steps to preserve their claim. For example, if an employee is injured on the job, there are certain time limitations in which the employee needs to notify their employer about this work injury.
After reporting your injury, the specific rules that apply to workers’ comp cases will go into effect. You and your employer have obligations that must be followed throughout the process. Failing to meet those obligations may jeopardize your benefits, so it is important for you to know what you must do in order to protect your claim.
What Types Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available?
Once a claim is established, there are three basic types of workers’ compensation benefits available to the injured worker:
- Medical care: You are entitled to lifetime medical care, which includes doctor visits, physical therapy and medication. The injured worker is also entitled to mileage to and from doctor appointments.
- Healing period or temporary total disability (TTD), temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits: This is the compensation you receive for being unable to work or for the time you need to recover from a workplace injury. If an injured worker is able to work reduced hours but not their regular hours, they are entitled to benefits that help make up the difference for missed hours.
- Permanency benefits or permanent partial disability (PPD): In some cases, injuries may cause permanent disabilities. If your medical provider informs you that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), or the best you are going to get, you are entitled to PPD benefits if your injuries are permanent. At the time of MMI, your temporary benefits should convert to permanency benefits if your condition is deemed permanent.
Your employer’s insurer is supposed to evaluate your claim promptly. Shortly after reporting your injury, you should receive a letter letting you know whether your claim has been admitted or denied.
Even if your claim is initially denied, you may still be able to recover benefits. To protect your right to recover benefits, talk to one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys immediately. We have seen countless examples of insurers fighting workplace injury claims or attempting to deny the full scope of someone’s injuries, and we will work hard to show the significance of the workplace injuries that you have suffered in your accident.
When Your Employer Frowns Upon Workers’ Compensation Claims
Your employer might try to convince you not to apply for your workers’ compensation benefits. Or, they may try to tell you that your claim will not be valid if you were to file. If your employer is intimidating you, then it is all the more important for you to understand how the workers’ compensation process works. We can help you understand your rights and take the proper action to get the compensation you deserve.
Let the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Loney & Schueller assist you in navigating the workers’ compensation system. We bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience to every workers’ compensation claim we handle. Filing a workers’ compensation claim incorrectly and not knowing the system delays your receipt of workers’ compensation proceeds can ultimately reduce the compensation you receive.
Do You Want To Receive Workers’ Compensation Proceeds Faster?
Our experienced attorneys will help you understand how the workers’ compensation process applies to your case. Call us to schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer at 515-416-4006. You can also reach us online.