Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Types of cash settlements include:

• Temporary disability: Weekly cash payments to cover your loss of earnings while you are unable to return to work at the same pay rate and job tasks previous to your injuries. Payments are made based on your average weekly earnings prior to your injury. Payments continue until your doctor signs off that you have achieved maximum medical recovery (MMR).
• Permanent disability, total or partial: If your injury will not allow you to return to work, you may qualify for a weekly cash payment while you are receiving medical treatment. You may also qualify for a lump-sum workers’ comp settlement. If your doctor signs off that you have achieved maximum medical recovery, but you are unable to return to work in your previous capacity (or at all), you may qualify for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) income.
• Second Injury Fund: This unique fund is financed by Iowa insurance providers with a special annual payment. The fund was established to offer another layer of wage protection for GIs returning from World War II with war-related injuries. However, it applies to all injured workers. In short, if you had a preexisting injury or medical condition and suffered another work-related injury or disease, you may receive additional cash payments out of this fund.
• Third-party claims: When you accept a workers’ compensation insurance settlement, you forfeit your right to sue your employer for additional compensation. However, if you can demonstrate that your workplace accident or injury was the result of negligence by a third party, such as the property owner or product manufacturer, you may sue for additional compensation, including pain and suffering.