Workers' Compensation Application Process in Iowa City
Let Our Firm Guide You Through the Complexities of the Application Process
Workers' compensation is a system designed to provide financial assistance and medical benefits to employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses. In Iowa City, the workers' compensation program is a crucial safety net for workers, ensuring they receive the support they need during challenging times.
At Affleck & Gordon, we understand that navigating the workers' compensation application process in Iowa can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Whether you've been injured on the job, are unsure about your rights, or simply need guidance through intricate legal procedures, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.
Call (319) 318-0450 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
The Application Process in Iowa
Securing workers' compensation benefits in Iowa involves a specific legal and administrative process designed to provide financial assistance and medical coverage to employees who are injured or become ill while on the job.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand this process:
- Notify Your Employer: As soon as you are injured or become aware of a work-related injury or illness, it's crucial to report it to your employer promptly. In Iowa, you typically have 90 days to report the injury, but it's best to do it as soon as possible. Failure to report within this timeframe might jeopardize your claim.
- Seek Medical Treatment: You should seek medical treatment immediately for your work-related injury or illness. Your employer may have a list of approved medical providers you should visit. Inform the healthcare provider that your injury or illness is work-related, as this information will be documented in your medical records.
- Notify Your Employer in Writing: In addition to the initial notification, you should also provide written notice to your employer about the injury within 90 days. This written notice should include details such as the date, time, location, and description of the incident.
- File a Claim: If your injury or illness requires medical treatment beyond first aid, and you need time off work, you should file a workers' compensation claim. This can be done by completing an Employee's First Report of Injury (Form DWC-1), which is available from your employer, the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner's office, or online.
- Employer's Responsibility: After you report the injury, your employer must file an Employer's First Report of Injury (Form 2) with the workers' compensation insurer and the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner's office. They have four days to do this. The insurance company will then investigate the claim.
If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Medical Benefits: These cover your medical expenses related to the injury or illness.
- Temporary Total Disability Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working, you may receive compensation equal to two-thirds of your weekly earnings.
- Permanent Partial Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you may receive compensation based on the extent of your disability.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.
However, if there is a dispute between you, your employer, or the insurance company regarding your benefits, you may need to go through the workers' compensation dispute resolution process. This may involve mediation, arbitration, or a formal hearing before the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner.
If you disagree with the commissioner's decision, you have the right to appeal it within 30 days. Throughout the process, it's crucial to keep records of all medical bills, correspondence, and documents related to your injury and the workers' compensation claim.
Let Our Firm Protect Your Rights & Best Interests Throughout the Entire Process
The workers' compensation application process in Iowa City, IA, can be complex and challenging to navigate on your own. At Affleck & Gordon, we are dedicated to helping you through every stage of your claim. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide the guidance and support you need to secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact us today at (319) 318-0450 to get a free case review.
Our Case Results
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$1 Million Workers Slip and Fall
After hearing, the Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner entered an award fully in favor of the Claimant finding him permanently and totally disabled. The Decision resulted in an award with the present value of in excess of $1 million. In addition, the Defendants were ordered to pay the Claimant’s medical expenses for the remainder of his life.
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$450,000 Partial Commutation
In 2013, our client was a truck driver who was fatally injured in a tragic auto accident. He was married at the time and as a result his wife was entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Those benefits would end upon her death or shortly after she were to remarry. The surviving spouse was finding it difficult to live on the weekly Workers’ Compensation benefits and for other reasons wanted to have the money paid in a lump sum.
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Workers’ Comp Appeal Results in Settlement
Pothitakis Law Firm pursued this claim for in excess of three and a half years. Mr. Pothitakis conferenced with the claimant’s doctors and obtained reports over those years to put the claimant in the best position to obtain a favorable result at hearing. When the initial decision was inappropriate, Pothitakis Law Firm filed an appeal and was successful on that appeal.