Hurt On The Job? Speak With Our Fort Dodge Area Workers’ Compensation Lawyers.
The Iowa Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to provide certain benefits to employees who sustain injuries, occupational illnesses or occupational hearing loss. Benefits are payable regardless of fault and are administered according to Iowa law. If you have been injured or become ill as the result of something you encountered at your workplace, you may be entitled to benefits under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.
At Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler, P.L.C., our attorneys help clients in Fort Dodge and throughout North-Central and Northwest Iowa file workers’ compensation claims. Attorney Neven J. Mulholland can help you determine whether you have a case for a workers’ compensation payment.
Who Is Eligible For Benefits Under The Iowa Workers’ Compensation Act?
Iowa law requires most business owners to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have at least one employee. Therefore, most workers classified as employees are covered.
There are some important exemptions, however. The following individuals are generally ineligible for benefits:
- Agricultural workers
- Independent contractors
- Employees who are related to the business owner
- Employees who earn less than $1,500 per year
- Employees whose injuries are covered under a system other than workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation benefits may provide payment for all reasonable and necessary medical care costs incurred to treat the work-related injury. Those who are unable to work temporarily or who are permanently disabled may be entitled to compensation for their lost weekly wages.
What Types Of Injuries Qualify For Benefits Under The Act?
Nearly any type of injury is compensable as long as it arose “out of and in the course of their employment.” An incomplete list of examples of accidents and injuries includes:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries (such as carpal tunnel)
- Construction accidents
- Workplace slip-and-fall accidents
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Explosion and burn injuries
While pre-existing injuries and conditions are not covered as a matter of course, you may be eligible for benefits if your pre-existing condition was exacerbated by your work.
What Are The Time Limits On Filing A Claim?
The statute of limitations for filing an Iowa workers’ compensation claim is two years from the date of injury. However, you’ll need to ensure you properly and promptly report the injury to your employer soon after it happens. This is one of many steps you’ll need to take to protect your work injury claim and preserve your right to seek benefits.
How Can An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help You?
Claiming benefits was designed to be easy, but injured workers too often encounter resistance from their employers and the workers’ compensation insurance companies. We work with clients who have become sick or injured at work in North-Central and Northwest Iowa. When you contact us, our attorneys will help you understand your rights and guide you through the workers’ compensation benefits claim process.
We know the ins and outs of Iowa’s workers’ compensation law, and can help to ensure that our clients receive the maximum workers’ compensation benefits to which they are entitled for the injuries and illnesses they have suffered on the job.
Discuss Your Legal Options With One Of Our Knowledgeable Attorneys
If you have been injured on the job, please remember that you have rights. We can help you whether you were hurt by dangerous or defective machinery, or exposure to hazardous materials at your workplace. We’re here to help you. Call our offices in Fort Dodge at 515-417-3820 or Gowrie at 515-346-6346. You can also submit an online contact form.