Permanent Partial Disability Claims In Iowa Workers’ Compensation
There are two distinct payment periods in every workers’ compensation claim that Iowa workers need to be aware of:
- Temporary Total Disability: During the initial healing period, we work to ensure that wage loss benefits – temporary total disability (TTD) – and other payments, including medical expenses, travel expenses and rehabilitation, are made to compensate for our clients’ losses.
- Permanent Partial Disability: When you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), or when treatment options that can further improve your condition have been exhausted, your condition is assessed by the insurance company’s doctor to determine the degree of permanent or partial impairment. At that point, temporary disability payments cease, and we pursue settlement with the insurance company for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits.
What Is The Process Of Obtaining Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits?
An experienced and diligent lawyer is necessary to assist you in this process and ensure that all aspects of your injury and related needs and abilities are accounted for. A payment schedule will be determined, and we will advocate in your best interests.
At the Des Moines law firm of Loney & Schueller, we regularly negotiate with insurance companies regarding these benefits for our clients throughout Iowa. Insurance companies often work aggressively to deny, undervalue, miscalculate, underpay or cut your benefits short by refusing to recognize injuries, terminating benefits before you are fully healed or getting you to make statements or sign documents limiting your rights.
Collecting Disability: Temporary Total Disability And Partial Disability
Insurance companies and many large employers have nearly unlimited time and resources to use to fight your claim, but we can counter with the truth and extensive resources of our own. Doctors have an obligation to help injured workers heal, and medical expertise on our side helps to prove the seriousness and value of your case.
Temporary total disability (TTD) will pay approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wages up to a statutory maximum, but benefits will be capped at 500 weeks.
Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits will depend on your ability to return to work in the same position or in an alternative position.
We can help you dispute or challenge benefit calculations and supply expert medical witness testimony regarding your condition. The key is consulting with us right away, trusting our judgment and experience and taking the time to make informed decisions about your future.
Talk To Our Attorneys About Obtaining Partial Disability Benefits
The attorneys at Loney & Schueller represent clients throughout Iowa in workers’ compensation claims. Contact us online or call us at 515-416-4006 to schedule a free consultation with an Iowa workers’ compensation permanent partial disability benefits attorney.