Workers’ Compensation Claim Process
When you have suffered a work-related injury, your rights are time-sensitive. So why do many people delay in coming to see us?
Unfortunately, many people wait simply because they feel intimidated by the legal system. Loney & Schueller focuses solely on injury law, are on your side, protecting your rights and explaining the workers’ compensation claim process to help you understand it and to relieve your worry so you can focus on your health.
What happens in a workers’ compensation claim case?
A workers’ compensation claim 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.
What are my rights and what should I 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 his or her employer that he or she was injured on the job.
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:
1: 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.
2: Healing period or temporary total disability (TTD), temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits: Healing period or TTD benefits are benefits received while the injured worker is unable to work and is off work healing from their work injuries. If an injured worker is able to work reduced hours but not their regular hours, they are entitled to temporary partial disability benefits or TPD.
3: Permanency benefits or permanent partial disability (PPD): Once your treatment comes to an end and your medical provider informs you that you are at 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.
My Employer Frowns Upon Workers’ Compensation Claims
If your employer is intimidating you, then it is all the more important for you to understand how the workers’ compensation process works. Let the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Loney & Schueller assist you in navigating the workers’ compensation system and protecting your rights.
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 More 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 888-912-8250. You can also reach us online.