Call Toll Free 1-888-792-3595

Can my employer force me to return to work while I am recovering from surgery after a work injury accident in Iowa?

 

A: If you have recently filed for Workers' Compensation due to a work injury and your employer has work that accommodates your medical restrictions, returning to work should be attempted during your recovery from surgery. However, if there are no tasks that you are able to perform because of your recovery from surgery, you may be able to pursue temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. A Des Moines Workers' Compensation attorney can clarify whether or not you are required to work during your recovery period.

TTD benefits pay a percentage of your prior wage, though it is capped at a maximum amount you are eligible to receive each week. You will continue to receive payments during your recovery from surgery.

If returning to work is impossible, you also could be eligible for permanent total disability or permanent partial disability, depending on the extent of your work-related injuries. A Des Moines Workers' Compensation attorney can review your case to determine if one of these options is better suited for your injury.

After your TTD benefits have ended, Workers' Compensation may order scheduled awards. These awards cannot be reduced because of your TTD benefits. Workers' Compensation may also provide vocational and physical rehabilitation benefits to help with your recovery from surgery and prepare you for a job you can perform in the future. 

If your employer insists that returning to work is mandatory despite your physical condition, a Des Moines Workers' Compensation attorney can step in and act as an advocate on your behalf. You shouldn’t have to risk reinjuring yourself during your recovery from surgery, especially with so many benefits available. 

Contacting a Des Moines Workers' Compensation Attorney

Returning to work after an injury should be a decision left up to your physician, not your boss. Don’t let your employer force you to perform work that can impact your recovery from surgery. The attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your work injury claim from the get-go. Learn more by ordering this FREE book; Iowa Workers’ Compensation – An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work by calling 1-800-707-2552. For immediate assistance or to schedule a consultation, call 1-515-440-2852.

To learn more about Iowa work injuries including the "7 Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work" order your copy of our FREE Book entitled "Iowa Workers' Compensation- An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries".  Why offer a Free Book?  Since 1997, as a workers' compensation attorney I have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work from Des Moines, Newton, Pella, Grinnell, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa and from throughout the state of Iowa.  I have seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the "right" information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Finally, you can learn about work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation.  However, quantities are limited so to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and your rights click on the work injury book image on this webpage, go to http://www.IowaWorkInjury.com or Call Now (800)-707-2552, ext. 811 (24 Hour Recorded Message).