Workers’ Compensation Application Process in Iowa

Guiding Iowa Employees Through the Workers’ Compensation Application Process

You are entitled to monetary workers’ compensation benefits for certain types of expenses and losses after an on-the-job accident. If you have never suffered a workplace accident before, you may be unsure how to prepare your application or what to do first.

Our attorney at the Pothitakis Law Firm is more than happy to assist you with the workers’ compensation application process in Iowa. Our firm has recovered over $100 million for our clients and has a complete understanding of how these claims are evaluated. We are extensively familiar with what goes into a successful application and will leverage our knowledge to help you speed up the process and avoid common mistakes. Getting you the financial resources that you need after an accident is our main priority, which is why we will provide attentive, results-oriented advocacy every step of the way.

You owe no attorney fees unless we win, so there is no reason not to schedule a free initial consultation today. Call (319) 318-0450 or contact us online to get started. Se habla español.

How Does the Workers’ Compensation Application Process Work in Iowa?

Before you can formally apply for workers’ compensation, you must verify you are eligible for benefits and notify your employer of the injury. If you work for a private employer with at least one employee, there is a strong chance they are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You will likely qualify under their policy if your injury was demonstrably job-related.

You should also see a doctor to treat and document injury. Your employer may later ask you to get a medical evaluation from a doctor of their choice. The law allows employers to choose a medical provider, which can sometimes lead to problems down the line. Be firm when explaining your injuries and do not be afraid to advocate for yourself if it seems like the doctor is looking to minimize your condition.

You have 90 days from the date you discovered a job-related injury to inform your employer. To expedite the application process and get benefits faster, you should notify your employer in writing immediately. Your claim may be denied if you wait too long to report your injury, so do not delay.

When notifying your employer, you should be prepared to submit:

• A complete breakdown of what happened, when, why, and who was involved
• Documentation of your injury or injuries
• Evidence that the injury is job-related
• Evidence of expenses incurred related to the injury, such as medical bills

Once you have reported your injury, your employer has four days from the date of the notification to file a “First Report of Injury” with the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation and their insurance carrier. This reporting deadline is not your responsibility, and your employer is required by law to fulfill this obligation.

Other steps of the application process include:

1. Seek Medical Attention: After reporting the injury, seek medical treatment from an approved healthcare provider. Your employer might have a designated list of healthcare providers for work-related injuries.
2. Filing a Claim: If your injury requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid or causes time away from work, you may need to file a workers' compensation claim. This involves submitting a Claim Petition (Form 100) to the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner.
3. Claim Process: The claim process involves investigation and evaluation. The insurance company or your employer might accept the claim, deny it, or seek more information. If there's a dispute, it might be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or a hearing before the Workers' Compensation Commissioner.
4. Benefit Determination: If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to various benefits, including medical treatment coverage, compensation for lost wages, vocational rehabilitation (if necessary), and other benefits depending on the nature and severity of your injury.
5. Appeals: If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process may involve administrative hearings before a workers' compensation judge.

If you have any questions about the workers’ compensation application process in Iowa, do not hesitate to reach out to the Pothitakis Law Firm. We can walk you through what steps you must take to move your claim forward.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Comp in Iowa?

You will qualify to receive workman’s compensation benefits in Iowa as long as you were injured while at work and performing your duties as an employee. If you were off the clock, committing a crime, or violating company policies, the insurer or your employer may have grounds to fight your claim.

Some companies, however, are not required to provide workers’ compensation to their employees. For some workers, such as police officers and firefighters, there are other forms of benefits, such as pension funds. For some Iowans, workman’s comp may not be an option, and they’ll need to pursue other options to get their compensation.

Contact a lawyer about your eligibility, especially if you’re one of the possibly ineligible employees listed below:

• Domestic employees earning less than $1,500 per year
• Some independent contractors
• Agricultural exchange labor
• Members of limited liability companies

How Long Does It Take for an Iowa Workers’ Compensation Application to Be Approved?

After your employer has filed the claim, an insurance adjuster should promptly review your case, and you should get an initial decision fairly quickly. If the insurance company approves your claim, disability benefits can begin 11 days after the date you were injured or discovered your injury.

In some cases, however, there will be a dispute between you, your employer, and the insurance company. They may claim your injury was not work-related or disagree about the severity of your injury. In these instances, you may need to take additional action to get the benefits you need.

If you have received no benefits at all – meaning your claim was outright denied – you will have two years from the date you discovered your injury to file a petition with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner. If you do receive some benefits at any point but still have a dispute, you have three years from the date of the final payment to start an appeal.

If you are forced to arbitrate or litigate a workers’ compensation dispute, you may not receive the full benefits you are entitled to for a year or more. You could receive some benefits earlier if you are only disputing the level of benefits.

Common Mistakes You Can Make on Your Application

Here are several common mistakes can occur during the workers' compensation application process in Iowa, potentially affecting the outcome of your claim:

• Delayed Reporting: Failing to report the injury promptly to your employer can be a critical mistake. Iowa law requires reporting within 90 days of the injury. Delaying this notification might lead to denial or skepticism regarding the legitimacy of your claim.
• Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation: Providing incomplete or inaccurate information on forms or medical records can impact your claim. Errors or missing details may lead to delays or denials as they might be interpreted as inconsistencies or lack of seriousness.
• Failure to Seek Timely Medical Attention: Not seeking immediate medical attention or not following through with prescribed treatment can be detrimental. Insurance companies may argue that the injury isn't severe enough if there's a delay in seeking medical care or if you fail to adhere to the treatment plan.
• Not Reporting All Injuries: Sometimes, an individual might focus on the primary injury and overlook secondary or related injuries. It's crucial to report all injuries sustained at work, even if they seem minor at the time. Undisclosed injuries might lead to complications later when trying to claim compensation for them.
• Not Understanding Your Rights: Lack of knowledge about your rights under Iowa's workers' compensation laws can result in missed benefits. You might settle for less compensation than you're entitled to or not pursue certain benefits you might be eligible for, such as vocational rehabilitation.
• Communicating Inconsistently: Inconsistencies in your statements or communications about the injury might raise doubts about the legitimacy of your claim. Being consistent and truthful in reporting the incident and the injury is crucial.
• Failure to Appeal in Time: If your claim is denied and you believe it was wrongfully denied, failing to appeal within the designated timeframe can result in losing your right to challenge the decision.

Avoiding these mistakes requires careful attention to detail, understanding your rights, and often seeking guidance from legal experts experienced in Iowa's workers' compensation laws to navigate the process effectively.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help?

In a perfect world, you would have no trouble getting the benefits you are entitled to under the law. Sadly, some employers and insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize what you get. They take advantage of the complexity of the workers’ compensation application process in Iowa and hope injured workers will give up or agree to an unacceptably low settlement offer.

An attorney is well-versed in matters of workers’ compensation and can help you understand what you need to do and when. Our team knows how insurance companies attempt to reject legitimate claims and can help fight a wrongful denial, if necessary. We can also help you avoid missing any crucial deadlines and confirm you have all of the evidence required to make your case.

Other benefits of hiring our firm include:

• Maximizing Benefits: Our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you're entitled to under Iowa's workers' compensation laws. We can evaluate your case thoroughly to identify all potential benefits, including medical treatment coverage, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and more.
• Handling Paperwork: The application process involves extensive paperwork. We can handle the paperwork for you, ensuring accuracy and completeness, and submit it within the required deadlines, reducing the chances of delays or denials.
• Negotiation and Advocacy: If there's a dispute or if your claim is denied, we can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies or represent you in hearings before the Workers' Compensation Commissioner. We aim to advocate for your rights and ensure a fair outcome.
• Protection of Rights: Having legal representation safeguards your rights. We ensure you're not taken advantage of by employers or insurance companies and that you receive fair treatment throughout the process.
• Experience in Appeals: If an appeal becomes necessary, we have experience in handling appeals and can represent you effectively in administrative hearings, striving for a favorable resolution.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that an experienced legal team is handling your case can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your recovery without the added burden of navigating the complex legal process alone.

Our goal is to get you the compensation you need and deserve as fast as possible. Call (319) 318-0450 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.

Further Reading:

What is the average workers' comp settlement?

If I get injured at work, how do I get paid?

What does subrogation mean?