Attorney Blog

Distractions While You Drive

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)36180 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

How many driving distractions can you think of? The driving distraction that is getting the most attention lately would be our cell phones. It may be that we are talking on our cell phones or texting with our cell phone. When you honestly think about it, is that phone conversation or text message really worth risking your life or the lives of others?

There are other driving distractions besides our cell phones, however. Accidents could be caused by adjusting the car stereo or traveling with children and/or pets. For more information on reducing your distractions while you drive, please visit the full article on the American Lawyer Academy blog.

Iowa Dog Bite Safety Tips

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)35233 — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Dog bites occur many times from people provoking a dog, you should never bother a dog while he is eating or sleeping. Other things such as playing tug of war or rough housing can also set a dog off and give him the wrong idea about how to behave. There are many things you should do if you are approached by a strange dog, never run up to a dog you don't know, because they may react in a harmful way. If you would like to learn more about how to protect your safety around dogs we have posted a brand new article on our dog bite site. IowaDogBiteBook.com is dedicated to information Iowans about Dog Bite injuries and how to prevent them.

Iowa Injury Lawyer: Driving in Darkness

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)34526 — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

How often are you on the road at night? Sometimes you can't prevent driving at night, but we recommend trying to keep nighttime driving to a minimum. Driving at night is very dangerous and your chances of getting into an accident increase significantly when driving at night. There is less traffic on the road, but the darkness alters people's vision enough that there is a greater risk for accidents at night than during the day. A driver's reaction is highly dependable on their vision and how well they can see what is going on around them. This means if you can't see well at night, because of all the darkness or lights from oncoming traffic you may not be able to react to a problem in the road like you would during day time driving. We want Iowans to be aware of nighttime dangers and offer tips to make driving at night as safe as it can be. If you would like to learn more we have posted a new article about driving at night on the American Lawyer Academy blog.

Fun in the Sun this Summer

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)33955 — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Summer is a great time to get out and do fun things with friends and family. Boating and swimming are a popular hobby in Iowa during the summer months. Boating on a hot summer day can be a ton of fun, especially if you have a great group of people with you. Boaters need to remember that being on the water doesn't excuse them of their responsibilities. There are laws and regulations that apply to boaters that need to be followed or it may result in a fine. For example, If you plan on having a lot of people on your boat, you need to make sure you have the correct number of life jackets. Being prepared is the most important thing a person can do to keep their passengers safe as well as other boaters. We have posted a brand new article in our library about boating safety. If you are a frequent boater you should read this article about accident prevention and safety. To be directed to the article, simply click on the title of this blog post.

Reducing Dog Bites & Attacks

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)33737 — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Have you or a loved one been bitten by a dog? There are many reasons a dog may bite. For example, dogs learn their behavior by the way they were raised, if an owner is mean or rough to their dog then that dog is going to think its acceptable to be mean and rough towards people or other dogs. If you are a dog owner, having your pet trained to behave well is very important. As a victim there are many things you can do to protect yourself from being attacked or bitten. You should always act cautious around strange dogs and never assume that a cute and cuddly dog won't bite you.

Sometimes a dog bite and leave a devastating scar or mark on a persons face or other body parts. This can affect a person in an emotional way, because they will have to look at that scar everyday for the rest of their lives and be remember about the incident. Preventing a dog bite can be simple if you use caution and pay close attention to a dog's behavior. We have posted a brand new article on our dog bite website which is dedicated to providing information to Iowans who have been injured by a dog. Click the title of this blog post to be directed to our news article or visit www.IowaDogBiteBook.com for more information.

Pedestrian Safety in Iowa

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)33168 — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer time? We bet your answer involved an activity outdoors. Iowans love to take advantage of the summer months while they can. Having fun in the sun is a great way to spend the summer with your friends and family. Exercising outside by walking, jogging, biking, etc. is another favorite to do in the summer. You should enjoy your activities outside, but you also need to keep a look out for your own safety. Being a pedestrian in a large city isn't always easy, you need to watch out for traffic all the time. Living in a rural area might seem safer because it is smaller, but you still need to be careful. We have posted a brand new article in our library about pedestrian facts and how you can protect yourself outside. Click on the title of this blog post to be directed to it.

Do You Have a Teen Driver in Your Family?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)32339 — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Do you remember taking drivers education and learning how to drive? If so, I am sure you also remember that it is not as easy as it looks and it takes a lot of concentration. Many teen drivers today are having a difficult time being safe drivers, some of this is due to all the technology they have at their fingertips in a car. There are many other reasons teens aren't the best drivers out there. A recent study revealed how teen drivers in Iowa rank among other teen drivers in the nation. Where do you think Iowa was ranked? To get the answer, click the title of this blog post and you will be directed to a brand new article we have posted.

Memorial Weekend Travel Plans

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)32264 — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Memorial weekend is approaching quickly, what are your plans? According to AAA more Americans will be traveling this year, the study shows that about 1.6 million more people will travel, but will spend around $250 less than last year. The economy has gotten better which means more people will be getting out of the house, yet people are still trying to cut back. There will be a slight increase in people traveling by plane; however, most people are expected to drive. Therefore, depending on where you live and where you plan on traveling you may run into a lot of traffic. It would be a wise idea to plan accordingly and try to determine what time of day would be the best to be on the road, driving late at night or late afternoon should be avoided due to more accidents occurring during those times. We always promote safe driving at Walker, Billingsley & Bair and we hope everyone has a fun, but safe Holiday weekend!!

Dealing with an Iowa Car Accident Claim

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)31903 — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Being in a car accident can be very traumatizing and stressful, the stress doesn't stop after the accident is over either. Dealing with the insurance company and your injuries at the same time can cause a person a lot of stress and frustration. Injured Iowans need to know their rights and responsibilities before they take on a car accident claim, because the insurance company may not be very fair when it comes to settling your case. You need to make sure they are compensating you for all damages lost. Having an attorney review your case doesn't hurt. Depending on where you live there might be many different attorneys to choose from. How will know know which one is best for you? We have posted a new article including information on dealing with the insurance company and tips to finding the best attorney for your case, simply click on the title of this blog post to be directed to it.

Who is Being Injured on the Job?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)31688 — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recent studies show that younger people are twice as likely to get hurt or suffer some type of injury on the job that requires a trip to the emergency room than older workers. The higher injury rate among younger Americans, ages 15-24 might be caused from having lack of experience, limited or no training, and not enough supervision. Research shows that the highest nonfatal injury rates are occurring by workers ages 18-19. Prior to working at a job that requires a lot of physical demand or working around/with heavy machinery you need to make sure that the employer will provide proper training to you before you start. It would not be a good idea to work for someone who expects you to learn it on your own; someone like this might not value safety which should always be a major concern when working at a physical job.

On the other hand, younger workers are less likely to speak up to their employers regarding the safety of their job and they might also be less likely to recognize hazards. However, it is still up to the employer to keep their employees safe on the job. Not having some sort of training or safety program put into place could cause injury to employees and may even violate state employment laws.

Protecting your family from Springtime Dangers

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)31434 — Wed, 12 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

What is your favorite thing about spring? Spring is an enjoyable time of year, but it can also be dangerous. There many activities that you might not think are dangerous, but can result in serious injury if safety is not kept in mind such as mowing your lawn. You cannot be too careful when operating your lawn mower, you should never let someone under the age of 16 operate it. Before you decide to mow your lawn you need to advise all children in your yard to stay away from the mower while it is running. You should also look over your lawn to make sure there are not any sticks, toys, rocks, or other debris that might cause damage to your lawn mower or be a hazardous flying object. Always remember to wear eye protection to keep tiny particles from getting into your eyes. You should also think about using a mower that will stop moving once the handle is released; otherwise, it may run something over or even hit someone.

Are You a Motorcycle Rider?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)31436 — Wed, 12 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Riding your motorcycle can be fun and exhilarating, however, there are many things a rider can do to help prevent an injury from occurring. If you need tips or have any questions regarding this, check out the FAQs section of our website, we posted a brand new question regarding protective gear. Staying focused and obeying traffic laws are very important, but its not the only thing you should be doing to protect yourself.

My Child Has Been Bitten by a Dog

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)31026 — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Has your child been bitten by a dog and you don't know what to do? There are many steps you should take in order to make sure your child can fully recover all damages from the injury. If you aren't sure which damages are available to you, we have an article posted on our Dog Bite website discussing damages you can read the article by clicking the title of this blog post. Our Dog Bite website is dedicated specifically to Iowans who have been bitten by a dog.

Iowa Car Accidents: Protecting Your Children

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)30869 — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Have you ever noticed an unrestrained child in the car next to you while flying down the interstate? It happens more than you probably notice. Accidents can be very devastating and traumatic, it can be even worse when a child in involved, because their bodies are so small and fragile. Parents need to do everything they can to protect their children while traveling no matter how far the trip is. We have posted a brand new article in our library about child safety in the car.

Check the Firm's Other Pages

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)30357 — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

We have created new pages on Squidoo each of our practice area (Motorcycle page coming soon!) Please visit our new pages for more information on Iowa Car Accidents, Workers' Compensation claims, and Dog Bites and leave a comment to let us know what you think!! These pages offer videos, quizzes, and gerenal information about each type of claim.

www.squidoo.com/IowaCarAccident

www.squidoo.com/Iowaworkcomp

www.squidoo.com/IowaDogBites

How Do You Like to Enjoy the Nice Weather?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)29926 — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

There are many ways Iowans spend time enjoying the weather. After the long and harsh winter we had this year, everyone seems very happy to be able to get back outside and spend some time in the sun. Biking is a very popular spring and summer time hobby in Iowa. There are many bike trails and paths located throughout the state. Iowa even has their yearly RAGBRAI ride across the state. Before you decided to hop and your bike and go for a ride there are many safety factors you need to think about to help prevent any sort of accident or injury. We have posted a brand new article in our library about how you can protect yourself as a bike rider. Click on the title of this blog post to be directed to the article.

Increasing Your Work Injury Claim

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)29485 — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Are you currently dealing with your employer's insurance company? If so, there are many things you should know when working with an insurance company on your claim. One little mistake could end up costing you thousands of dollars. We are offering useful tips and suggestions to help injured Iowans better understand how to deal with insurance companies and make the most of their workers' compensation claim. We have posted a brand new article in the workers' compensation section of our library. Simply click on the title of this blog post to read our suggestions.

Avoiding a Motorcycle Accident

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)29214 — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Now that the nice weather is here, you may want to get outside and enjoy it by going for a ride on your motorcycle. This is a hobby of many Iowans and a great way to be in the sunshine. However, remembering safety first will help you to enjoy your ride even more. Just like driving a car, there are rules and regulations that a motorcycle rider must follow. The new article posted in our library entitled "Safet First, How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident" gives further understanding of ways that accidents can be prevented.

Do You Want to Be a Dog Owner?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)28703 — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Are you looking at getting a dog? There are many things to consider before making a final decision about adding a dog to your family. We have posted a new article on our dog bite website. Have you checked out our new website yet? Our personal injury attorneys have created this site just for you to learn more about dog bites and there is a ton of information specifically relating to Iowa dog bite claims and information on preventing bites, what to do if you or your child has been bitten, etc. If you would like to read our brand new article about things to consider and steps you should take before getting a dog, you can click on the title of this blog post to be directed to our Iowa Dog Bite website.

Frequent Driving Mistakes

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)28354 — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

We have posted the last article in our three part series regarding fatal driving mistakes. There are many tips available to you so you can learn how to become a better driver and decrease your chances of being in a car accident or causing an accident. We have shared 5 of these tips with you in a previous article and now the new article posted in our library gives you the last 5 most common fatal mistakes that occur while driving. We hope these articles have given you knowledge you can use each and every time you get behind the wheel.

Are You a Safe Driver?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)27563 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you get behind the wheel do you always do everything you can to be a safe driver? There are many things happening on the roads each day, many things that cause accidents that could have been prevented. We want to share with you the most dangerous driving mistakes people make and how you can prevent them as a driver. Please click on the title of this blog post to read our "Have You Ever Driven Dangerously" article.

Corey Has Been Nominated to Serve as Commissioner

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)27254 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Corey Walker has recently been chosen by fellow Iowa Attorneys to serve as one of the District 5A Judicial Nominating Commissioners. Corey graduated from Drake in 1997 and has been practicing law ever since. He has an office in Newton, Iowa and Des Moines, Iowa. Corey practice primarily in workers' compensation cases, but does personal injury cases as well. He is dedicated to giving his cases the attention that they need and serving justice for his clients. Please read the full article about his nomination by clicking on the title of this blog post.

What You Should Know If You Have Been in a Car Accident

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)27075 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

After being involved in a car accident or other personal injury accidents you will more than likely have to start dealing with the insurance company for the responsible party. It can be a long and confusing process, knowing what you should and shouldn't say to the adjuster may help you get more value for your case. We have posted a brand new article in our library entitled "7 Questions to Ask the Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident" please click on the title of this blog post to be directed to the article.

Des Moines Iowa Car Accident- How Should My Medical Bills be Paid? Iowa Injury Attorney Lawyer

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)27008 — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

What many insurance adjustors tell you is to send them the medical bills in your case.
What this does not mean is that they will actually pay your bills.
If you send the insurance adjustor your bills and do not have them paid then this creates several issues.
Your medical bills are not paid and your credit rating could be damaged and this creates more pressure on you to settle your claim. You do not receive the discounted rates that your health insurance has contracted with your medical providers which means you end up paying more for your medical treatment than you should. Click Here for more information and to learn how your medical bills should be handled.

How to Deal with Medical Bills in a Denied Workers Compensation Claim

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)27009 — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Insurance companies deny Iowa workers' compensation claims every day which does not mean that you do not have a case. However, it does mean that you will need to find a way to get your medical bills paid. There are good and bad ways to have your medical bills paid under Iowa law. Click Here to learn more about how to have your medical bills paid in your denied Iowa work injury claim.

Iowa Car Insurance

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)26814 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you own and drive a car you need to have car insurance, which can become very costly depending on many various factors. It is important for people to know what their car insurance premiums are based on, because their driving behavior could be having a huge impact on how much they are paying. We invite you to read our brand new article in our library entitled "How Much Are You Paying For Car Insurance", click on the title of this blog post to be directed to it.

How Serious is Texting While Driving?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)26105 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

We have talked about texting while driving on our website before as well as all the dangers included in texting while you are driving. I wanted to share a story that I came across about a young man from Northwest Iowa who was recently involved in an accident caused from a driver texting while driving, because it really puts the whole driving while texting thing into perspective. This wasn’t a fatal accident, but that doesn’t mean it’s not tragic for the people involved and their family.

The young man who was severely injured was living in Ames at the time of accident and was driving to visit his dad in Sioux City. He was a few miles away from Schaller, Iowa when a car coming over a hill started driving towards him. He didn’t lose consciousness when the vehicles collided and was able to get out of the car; however, when he got out of the car he noticed that something was severely wrong- turns out he had a broken pelvis. The other driver who was doing the texting had suffered a broken foot and was release from the hospital the same night of the accident while the NW Iowa man stayed in the hospital another 15 days which included having an extensive surgery to put his pelvis back together.

This injury has most likely already caused the young man and his family a lot of stress and the worst is not over yet. He is going to need a lot of treatment and rehabilitation to get better. It is going to take a lot of time and strength for this young back to get back to being his normal self, he will need support from his family and friends as well. The recovery process for an injury like this one can be long and stressful. This accident could have turned out to be a lot worse, but the point is that it still could have been avoided by simply putting the cell phone down and concentrating on the road. The next time you reach for your phone while driving; please think if the text or phone call you are making is really worth the risk of injuring yourself or someone else before you do it. If you would like to read the full story about this young man, please click on the title of this blog post and it will direct you to the article.

Victory for Injured Workers in Iowa

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)25888 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The win of the appealed case is a big victory for Iowans who have been injured at work, because the court found that an injury to a scheduled member, even if it is combined with an injury to an unscheduled member, is a qualifying injury under 85.64. The court was very strongly divided on the claim, but came out on the right side of the issue.

New Dog Bite Injury Website

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)25782 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our personal injury attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair have created a NEW website dedicated to Iowa Dog Bite Injuries. These type of personal injury accidents are becoming more common and we want Iowans to know and understand their rights as well as their responsibilities as an injured Iowan. Please visit our new site where you can learn new information regarding your dog bite claim and request our No Cost book at no risk or obligation.

Filing Your Work Comp Claim

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)25241 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

We understand that dealing with a workers' compensation claim can be very frustrating and confusing. There are many deadlines that must be met in order for you to recover all damages that are available to you. This includes filing your workers' compensation claim on time as well as notifying your employer of your injury within a certain amount of time so they can file a first report of injury for you. If you would like to read our full article on filing your claim on time, please click on the title of this blog to be directed to it.

Icy Weather Creates Hazardous Driving Conditions

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)25271 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The weather in Iowa is supposed to get very slick late tonight and tomorrow. This means traveling will be tricky if not dangerous. Remember during icy or snowy conditions the most important thing you can do is slow down. Rushing or trying to hurry can significantly increase your risk of getting into a car accident. Iowans have been driving during winter conditions for a little while now and people might be getting comfortable and used to it. However, pure ice on roads is much different than a wintry mix. Some tips for helping you make it to your destination safely are:

• If you need to be somewhere by a certain time you should leave 15 minutes earlier than you normally would
• When following a car you should try to keep at least 15 car lengths between you and the car in front of you
• Remember to steer in the direction you want to go if your tires lose traction
• Keep your eyes on the road and look ahead to spot anything that might be a problem
• Keep your car completely cleaned off
• Keep your gas tank full and your tires inflated

Please remember that driving on icy roads requires your full attention and for you to be aware. This means you shouldn’t be talking on your cell phone and you most certainly should not attempt to text anyone. Do Not use your cruise control or rely on all-wheel drive or stability control, these features won’t make driving on ice any easier. Places such as bridges, ramps, intersections, and overpasses tend to be the most common trouble spots for slick conditions. Please remember to ask everyone to wear their seat belt and don’t try to go beyond your car’s limits. Walker, Billingsley & Bair promotes safe driving and hopes everyone takes extra caution as they drive this week.

Are Winter Months Safer for Driving?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)25030 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that driving in January is safer than driving in August? This is because drivers pay closer attention to what they are doing during the winter months due to poor road conditions. A lot of drivers don't let things such as cell phones, Ipods, or the radio take their attention on the road during the winter, because they have to be more aware of what is going on around them if they are traveling on snowy or icy roads. You can take simple steps to preventing accidents even further to protect you and your family when you are traveling. We invite you to read our brand new article about how to prevent an accident in the winter. Please click on the title of this blog post to be taken directly to the full article.

Valentine's Day. What do you think Corey should buy Beth for less than $200?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)24512 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

As announced in our January 2010 newsletter, Corey needs some help in buying his wife Beth a Valentine's Day present. Post a reply with your recommendation by no later than January 25, 2010 and the people with the two best gift ideas will also receive the same gift.

Legal Terms in Your Case

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)24438 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured in an accident you may have come across legal terms that you don't understand. Having a personal injury or work comp claim can get very confusing. We have posted a legal definitions category under the FAQs section of our website. Please remember that they are very general terms and they are there to help you get a better understanding of what is what in your case.

Iowa Construction Site Accidents

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)24457 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

There are many Iowans who work in the construction industry, it is very popular in Iowa. However, it is also one of the most dangerous industries a person can work in. It is very dangerous, because of all the equipment used and the areas in which the workers and construction teams tend to do their work in. We have added a new set of construction site accident questions and answers to the FAQs section of our website. If you click on the title of this blog post, you will be directed to the questions that have been posted.

Alcohol Related Injuries in Iowa

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)24310 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

You or someone you know may have been injured in an alcohol related accident, there are many laws in Iowa regarding this type of accident and what kind of damages can be recovered. You may have a dramshop claim depending on the situation. We have posted new information regarding Iowa dramshop claims in the FAQs section of our website. Please click on the title of this blog post to be directed to the page.

Have a Happy New Year

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)24107 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

New Year's Eve is approaching this week, which means there will be more travel for many Iowans. We are suppose to get more snow tomorrow, which may make traveling a bit more tricky than it already is with the icy conditions we have in Iowa. Please use extreme caution this week if you are traveling to be with friends or family to celebrate the New Year. We have posted a brand new article in our library about having a safe New Year celebration. We invite you to read the full article by clicking on the title of this blog post to be directed to our library.

Why have my workers' compensation checks stopped?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)24033 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

One of the most common reasons that Iowans hurt at work call an attorney is because their weekly checks have stopped. There are several reasons that the workers compensation insurance company may have stopped paying you weekly checks. Sometimes, the insurance adjuster has made a mistake and not set-up your checks to be sent automatically each week. Other times there may be a legal reason that they have stopped paying you.

Here are some of the common legal reasons that Iowa workers compensation insurance companies stop paying you your weekly checks:

1. You have returned to work and do not have a permanent injury. (Note: You are allowed a 2nd opinion under Iowa law if the company doctor says you do not have a permanent impairment rating).

2. You have been paid the entire permanent impairment rating. (Note: There are many circumstances in which the insurance company owes you more than just the impairment rating.)

3. The insurance company has denied your Iowa workers compensation claim.

4. The insurance company has sent you a 30 day Auxier notice describing why they are stopping your benefits.

5. You have failed to attend an 85.39 medical examination.

6. The company doctor has released you to return to work and you do not report for work.

7. You no longer work for the same employer and the company doctor releases you to return to work with restrictions and your former employer indicates that they can accommodate the restrictions.

If you have anymore questions regarding your workers' compensation weekly checks or your claim in general, our attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair are here to help answer any of your questions and concerns you may be having. Our attorneys are dedicated to giving your case the time and personal attention that it needs. If you would like to learn more you can contact on of our attorneys regarding your claim or request our Iowa Work Injury book for more information.

Can I get my impairment rating paid in one check?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)23754 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Do you have an impairment rating for your injury? You may have received a rating for your work injury, the amount of money you receive for your injury depends on your rating and other various factors. There are things you should know before agreeing to an amount from the insurance company. We invite you to read a brand new article in our library, clicking on the title of this blog post will take you directly to our new article.

Workers' Compensation Injuries: Construction Site Dangers

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)23585 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are many different type of injuries a worker could sustain in a construction site. Things such as heavy machinery, loud noises, heights, equipment,. and holes around the work area contribute to many work accidents each year. The construction industry is one of the most dangerous for getting hurt. We invite you to read the article in our library on Iowa construction sites regarding different types of injuries and prevention methods.

Eye Injury at Work

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)23429 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

People who work in hazardous environments are at a higher risk for an eye injury. This is a very common type of injury in the workplace. There are many ways you can protect your eyes each day to help prevent an injury from occurring. The type of protection you will need all depends on what kind of hazardous things you are working around. We invite you to read our brand new article in the library about eye injuries.

Teen Driving Statistics

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)23435 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are many teenage drivers on the road, which means teen accidents are increasing due to inexperience, distractions, speeding, and many other factors. Most teen drivers are just learning the rules of the road and how to properly handle a car, it should be the parents role to help their teen and get involved with their driving. There are many ways a parent can educate their teen about driving and make sure they are doing the best they can every time they get behind the wheel. To read our full article on teen driving statistics please click on the title of this blog post and it will direct you to our blog on the American Lawyer Academy website.

Winter in Iowa is Here

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)23008 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The snow in Iowa is here and the temperatures are dropping as well, this increases the chance of the snow sticking around and the roads being icy. A lot of accidents happen after the first snow fall of the year, because people are not used to driving in winter conditions yet. Please use extra caution as you are out and about. We invite you to read our brand new article in our library that includes tips for winter time driving.

Thanksgiving Holiday Crashes Decreased in 2009

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)22806 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

This is a follow up to our article entitled “Iowa Fata Car Accidents Down in 2009… So Far” in which it talks about Iowa having the lowest number of fatal accidents so far this year since world war two ended. This past weekend there were about 8 fatalities in Iowa during the Thanksgiving holiday period which is from Wednesday afternoon until Sunday night. Officials said this number could still climb if people who have suffered serious injuries end up passing away. However, this is a drop from the previous two years with 9 in 2008 and 16 in 2007. Iowa State Patrol says it is doing its best to determine the cause of the crashes and where they are happening. Doing this kind of investigation may help people know what to look out for when driving during the holiday. There are still two major holidays to get through this month, which means the number of fatal crashes could still increase.

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)22710 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

This is the time of year that people start thinking about making changes to their lives, either at work or in their personal lives. It’s easy to say you are going to start doing something or make a change, but it can be very challenging to stick with the changes you want to make throughout the year. Some people have given up on making resolutions knowing that they won’t stick to them. However, there are many ways for you to reach your goals for the year, it’s going to take some work, but in the end you will be happier knowing that you did it rather than giving up.

Before you even come up with a resolution or write anything down you should really think about what is important to YOU and take time to really think about what you want to accomplish and why. Don’t let the driving source come from others, it needs to come from you and be something that you alone want, otherwise, your chances of failure are greater. Once you do have a resolution in mind you should start by making small changes, if you go all out and make drastic changes you are more likely to give up. If you start small and accomplish smaller steps first you will be more likely to continue with your goals, because you will start to feel excitement that you can actually do it. The more you accomplish the bigger your goals will become and the more likely you are to succeed.

To be able to actually make the changes, you need to make sure you are ready and have the knowledge and resources to help you make the change and stick to it. You also need to recognize if there is anything preventing you from making the change. You will need lots of support from your family and friends to keep you motivated and going when it gets tough. Doing a little research on ways you can change certain behaviors is also helpful.

It is now time to take action! You need to have some sort of plan to reach your goal(s). Once you have started you should reward yourself as you make progress, this will keep your motivation up. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, you might go shopping to reward yourself along the way. You need to take time to look at the progress you have made and what keeps you motivated, this well help you see how committed you are to your goal(s). It is normal for you to get discouraged or have moments of doubt, but you have to push through it. This would be a good time to think about why you are trying to achieve your goal and how it will help or benefit you, looking back on what you have accomplish may also help.

If you do come across a minor setback, do not be too hard on yourself. Just because you lapse once doesn’t mean you have to give up completely. You may want to evaluate why the relapse happened or what might have triggered it. Once this happens you need to start again and keep going. Reaffirm yourself of your plan of action and commitment. Having a plan of how to deal with any future temptations may also help greatly. Making a New Year’s resolution can help you to achieve something you have wanted to do for a long time. However, do not let trying to change things or reach goals control your life. Instead, gradually work towards your goal(s), because they are not going to happen overnight.

Iowa Work Injury: Traumatic Brain Injury

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)22220 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are many people out there who take health risks everyday just to do their job for their employer. For example working around heavy machinery or equipment may increase your risk of getting injured on the job. Traumatic brain injuries occur when a person’s head violently and suddenly hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and touches the brain tissue. Your symptoms and condition will depend on how hard you were hit in the head and how severe your injury is. To read the full article about traumatic brain injuries at work, please click on the title of this blog post and it will direct to our blog on the American Lawyer Academy website.

Iowa Travelers This Week

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)22240 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

As Thanksgiving approaches this week there will be many travelers on the highways and interstates in Iowa. This means more accidents. There are many things you can do to protect you and your family from being involved in an accident this week. For example, you may lower your risk of being in a car accident by simply leaving a day earlier or in the afternoon versus at night. We invite you to read a brand new article in our library about Thanksgiving Traveling, just click on the title of this blog post to go directly to the article.

IA Car Accidents: How Fast is Your Reaction Time?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)21931 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are many things that can distract a driver, such as cell phones, the radio, and passengers. These things can also affect a driver's reaction time. A person's reaction time is the amount of time it takes you to react to a situation while driving. Having a fast reaction time could keep you from being in an accident. To read a new article in our library please click on the title of this blog.

Car Accident Compensation & Damages

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)21713 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Being in a car accident can be devastating on the victim and their family. One way to keep your family protected is knowing the type of compensation that is available and what damages can be recovered after a car accident occurs. There are many things that the insurance company may not take into consideration when they are trying to settle your claim. We invite you to read a new article in our library regarding car accident damages and compensation. Please click on the title of this blog post to be directed to our article.

IA Work Comp: How Much Noise is Too Much Noise?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)21444 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many Iowans work in dangerous environments, jobs such as construction workers, factory laborers, and farmers are around noise on a daily basis. You may not think of a hearing loss as an injury. However, certain levels of noise can seriously damage your ears, if your job causes you to go deaf or lose part of your hearing than it is an injury and compensation may be available under Iowa Workers' Compensation laws. We invite you to read our new article about hearing loss in our library. Click the title of this blog post to go directly to the article.

Iowa Dog Bites

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)21243 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Any one can become a dog bite victim when they least expect to. People don't generally think of dogs as viscous creatures, however, sadly but true- some are. There is no definite cause of why a dog attacks, but there are things you can do to prevent being attacked. We invite you to read a brand new article in our library regarding dog bite information. Staying informed can help you be prepared if you ever encounter an aggressive dog.

Iowa Fatal Car Accidents Down in 2009... So Far

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)21077 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Des Moines Register recently reported that the number of fatalities caused by car and motorcycle accidents is significantly down so far this year. This year might possibly hold the lowest number of deaths caused by cars or motorcycles since World War II ended. Iowa State Patrol troopers have started to patrol high-crash areas more. Polk County has the most fatal accidents each year, because it is a high populated area. Hopefully the number of accidents will stay down over the holidays as well. Things such as issuing more seat belt and drunken driving tickets as well as safer cars are among the reasons for the decrease.

Now if everyone could start to pay more attention to the road this number might go down even more. On my way to work yesterday morning there was a lady in a minivan behind me holding a coffee in one hand and talking on her cell phone with the other while driving 65 mph down the interstate. I was starting to wonder how she was even steering. Then today after dropping my kid off at school I was driving through a residential area and passed a young woman who was applying makeup in her visor mirror while driving! (I was happy to be going in the opposite direction) People should know that the car or commute to work isn’t the time or place to get ready for the day or do other tasks.

I am happy to see that troopers are starting to patrol certain areas more and catch these offenders. Educating people on how dangerous distractions are while driving also helps them realize that simple little things can help prevent accidents and even deaths. The news article also stated that Iowa’s mandatory seat belt law is obeyed by 93% of people!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident a new book is available to you at no cost, risk, or obligation. The book is called “The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents- “7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case" and is available at http://www.IowaCarAccidentBook.com or by calling 1-800-707-2552 ext. 810 (24 Hour Recorded Message).

We offer our Iowa car accident book at no cost because sometimes hard working Iowans can be taken advantage of by insurance companies. Iowans who have been injured in car accidents are beginning to realize that the other driver's insurance company is not there to help and it is a good idea to learn about Iowa's car accident laws and how they affect them. Finally, there is a book about car accident in Iowa that you can read in the comfort of your own home with no pressure.

Iowa Hit & Run Accident Injures One

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20900 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Over the weekend a young woman, Aubrey Strause was charged in a hit and run accident that happened early Saturday morning in Iowa City. According to a local news source, the driver had been drinking and hit the pedestrian at an intersection. The name of the victim has not been released, but was state that they have suffered a head injury. The driver said that she knew she had hit someone, but didn’t stop for almost two blocks because she was trying to find a place to pull over so she could check on the pedestrian. Strause’s alcohol level was well above the legal limit in Iowa and has been charged with drunk driving, leaving the scene, and serious injury by a vehicle. This is a sad situation, but it happens more than we realize. If you or someone you know has been injured in Iowa by a hit and run driver, Walker, Billingsley & Bair are here to help answer your questions. We offer books at No cost to you including “The Legal Insiders Guide to Iowa Car Accidents" and "How to Buy Car Insurance to Protect You and Your Family" which may protect your family from a hit and run accident.

Iowa Work Injury: Broken Arm

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20910 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Work place injuries happen all the time, a common one is a broken arm. A broken arms usually occur due to a fall. If you work in a factory or construction environment you may be at higher risk of being injured on the job, because these jobs tend to be in a hazardous environment. We invite you to read our full article on a broken arm work injury in our library.

Liability as a Dog Owner

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20706 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Dog owners do not realize the liability they put on themselves when they get a dog. You should notify your homeowners insurer if you have not already, so they know you have a dog in the home. Having insurance coverage on your dog can save you thousands if it happened to bite someone. We invite you to read our brand new article about how to limit your liability. Please click on the title of this blog post to go direct to the article in our library.

Hit & Run Pedestrian Accident

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20545 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Early Sunday morning there was a pedestrian hit and run accident in Des Moines, the police are currently looking for the driver. The pedestrian was taken to Methodist Medical Center with minor injuries, however, if the other driver isn't located or doesn't have insurance the pedestrian that was injured will have to cover their own medical bills. Having uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will protect you and your family from hit and run accidents or drivers that hit you and don't have enough insurance to cover your medical care.

To learn more about how to protect your family, Walker, Billingsley & Bair offers a book at no cost called “How to Buy Car and Motorcycle Insurance to Protect You and Your Family”. You can obtain this book by going to http://www.IowaInsuranceBook.com or by calling 1-800-707-2552 and enter ext. 810 (24 Hour Recorded Message). We offer books at no cost because we believe that all Iowans should have the information and knowledge to make good decisions when it comes to purchasing car insurance.

Your Iowa Car Accident Case

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20411 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

When you are involved in an accident the other driver's insurance company will usually call you as soon as they get information regarding the accident. Adjusters are being trained to fight claims aggressively to save insurance companies money which means they aren't taking your injuries and medical care into full consideration. We invite you to read a brand new article in our library about settling your case. Please click on the title of this blog post to be directed to the article.

For Only Pennies a Day You Can Protect You and Your Family from a Motorcycle Accident

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20299 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Iowa the other driver may not have enough insurance to cover your medical bills and time you missed from work which is why you need to make sure you have enough coverage under your own insurance policy. There is a brand new article in our library about protecting yourself and your family from underinsured motorists. Please click on the title of this blog post to go directly to the article in our library.

Six Secrets to Help Your Injury Claim

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20245 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Walker, Billingsley & Bair would like to help you protect your legal rights. Regardless, if you decide to choose my law firm to represent you or not, the following six secrets are critical in helping you receive a fair and just settlement for your injuries in your workers' compensation claim. Corey J. L. Walker practices primarily in workers' compensation and is dedicated to leveling the field between insurance companies and injured Iowans.

Tips to Preventing a Car Accident

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)20129 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are certain things you can do when driving to help protect you and your family from an accident. Things such as staying focused on the road and obeying all traffic laws. You might even be able to prevent an accident simply by driving during a certain time of day. We invite you to read our brand new article entitled, "Safety Driving Tips: Timing Might to Crucial". If you would like to read this article, please click on the title of this blog post and it will direct you to the article in our library.

Is Your Car Winter-Ready?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19996 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The colder temperatures are upon us now and they will start dropping even lower before we know it. Making sure your car is in good condition and ready for winter will help to protect you and your family. There is a brand new article in our library about getting your car ready for winter. To view the full article, please click on the title of this blog post and it will take you directly to the article in our library.

Have You Been Injured on the Job in Iowa?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19935 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you or a loved one have been hurt at work in Iowa or your work injury claim is being handled under Iowa law then you should know how Iowa's worker comp laws apply. Failing to learn about your rights and responsibilities may result in you losing thousands of dollars in your case so before you hire an attorney or even consider settling your case. We invite you to read a new article in our library about simple things you can do to help your case along. Please click on the title of this blog post to go directly to the article.

Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19863 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Have you been injured in a car accident and don't know what the next step is? Sometimes dealing with the insurance adjuster after being involved in a car accident can be complicated and confusing, you may be wondering if you should talk to an attorney. You might not need an attorney depending on your injuries and certain facts of your specific accident case. However, we encourage you to click on the title of this blog post to read a new article in our library about whether or not you should hire an attorney for your accident claim.

Hurt at Work in Iowa?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19817 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you or a loved one have been hurt at work in Iowa or your work injury claim is being handled under Iowa law then you should how Iowa's worker comp laws apply. Failing to learn about your rights and responsibilities may result in you losing thousands of dollars in your case so before you hire an attorney or even consider settling your case you should read this article.

Iowa Bicycle Rider Safety

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19662 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Cycling is a popular hobby in the state of Iowa, however failing to to be properly equiped may increase your risk of getting into an accident. You need to be visible to other bike riders and all motorized vehicles at all times regardless what time of day it is. We have added a brand new question and answer category on bicycle accidents. If you would like to read the answer to our newest question "Do I need to have lights on my bike at all times or only if I ride at night?" please click on the title of this blog post to go directly to the answer.

Pedestrian Safety

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19575 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

As a pedestrian your chances of being hit by a car are increasing due to more distracted drivers on the road. There are certain rules you must follow when crossing the street at a cross-walk to ensure you get across safely. There is a NEW question and answer in our FAQs regarding who is negligent when a pedestrian is hit by a car. Click on the title of this blog post to go directly to it.

Iowa Dog Bites: Is the Owner at Fault?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19511 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Dog bites can lead to very serious injuries. There have been a couple cases in the news lately that have happened in the Midwest; both attacks were by a pit bull. Do you think this type of dog should be banned from the state of Iowa? One man recently attacked right here is Des Moines doesn’t think so. He was attacked over the weekend while walking his two dogs, one of his dogs was also bitten. He does not want the pit bull that did the attacking put to sleep; he is placing the blame on the owner of the dog. He said “I feel that the dog is what the people make it”. This is true, because research shows that a dog’s behavior is majorly influenced by the way it was raised and how its owner treats them on a daily basis. If a dog is living in a violent home and is abused, then they are going to be very tempered and more likely to attack, because that is what they know and think is the proper way to act towards people. Dog owners need to take the time to train their dogs properly to help prevent any dog bite accidents.

Learn more about how to deal with your dog bite:
Visit our Injured Iowan Website
Watch a video about taking care of your dog bite claim
Request a Free copy of our Consumers Guide to Dog Bites Book
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation

Weekly Benefits Rate

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19520 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have been hurt at work you may be receiving weekly workers' compensation benefits from your employer. Figuring your correct rate can be tricky, because there are so many factors that are taken into consideration. It would be of great benefit to you and your case to have an Iowa work injury attorney look at your rate to determine if you are being paid the correct amount. Even if your employer is only off by $20-30 dollars a week, it can add up to them owing you a decent amount of money for your injury. If you would like to learn more about your weekly workers' compensation rate, there is a brand new article in our library. Please click on the title of this blog post to access the article in our library directly.

Your Workers' Compensation Hearing

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19376 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have a workers compensation case outside the Des Moines area you may be wondering where your case hearing will be held. Please click on the title of this blog post to read our newest question and answer forum regarding workers' compensation hearings.

15 Year Old Seattle, Washington Boy Dies After Children's Hospital Gives Him a Drug Overdose

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19392 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The unfortunate death of a 15 year old boy from Seattle, Washington, named Michael Blankenship, is a perfect example as to why medical providers should be liable for their mistakes. While the medical staff at Seattle's Children's Hospital certainly did not intentionally mean to overdose Michael, placing a fentanyl patch of the highest dosage available on a 15 year old who had some dental work seems extreme to even to the average American with no medical training. Statistically, medical mistakes are the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States with 44,000 to 98,000 deaths annually from medical errors. (Institute of Medicine). There are usually more than 7,000 deaths each year caused by medication errors alone. (Institute of Medicine).

Some people believe it is wrong to pay the family of children killed by medication errors. However, if a hospital is not held accountable and required to pay the full value for the death they caused then where is the personal responsibility? The civil justice system is not only designed to compensate family members for the death of their loved one caused by negligence, but to also deter and punish the negligent party. Michael's family deserves to receive full compensation and full justice for their loss. If jurors like the hospital and decide to only give his family half the compensation they are requesting, then his family will only receive half justice, which leaves them with half injustice.

For More Information on this Tragic Story Click Here Now.

Do You Have Enough Insurance to Protect Your Family?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19262 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

You never know when an accident might occur, there is only so much you can do to prevent an accident. However, there is something you can do to protect yourself and your family. Having the right amount of insurance coverage can save you a lot of hassle and ensure that you and your family will be taken care of in the event of an accident. Sometimes the other person(s) may take off after they hit you or be underinsured. There is a new article in our library about having the right amount of insurance to cover an accident, even if it wasn't your fault. To read the full article please click on the title of this blog post and it will take you directly to the article in our library.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19162 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are many types of injuries that can occur from being in a car accident. Many people who have been in a car accident suffer from whiplash which is caused by your head suddenly moving forward, backward, or to the side. This usually happens because of the impact that happens when getting into a crash. How severe the whiplash is can vary depending on the circumstances of the crash such as how fast the cars were going. There is a brand new article in our library about whiplash. If you are interested in reading the full article please click on the title of this blog post and it will take you directly to the article in our library.

Mental Affects of Your Injury

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)19074 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Sometimes when people are injured they are not only affected physically by their injuries, but mentally as well. This can happen if the accident they were in was very traumatic or if they have had to go through a lof of pain and treament due to their injuries. When your injuries cause mental pain it can disrupt your entire life. There is a NEW article in our library about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, if would like to read this article please click on the title of this blog post to go directly to the article.

Do You Receive Weekly Workers' Compensation Benefits?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18882 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Iowans who have been injured at work may receive weekly workers' compensation benefits due to their injuries. These benefits are paid by your employer's insurance company. Our law firm has seen many cases where the employee's weekly rate was miscalculated. There are different factors that can affect your rate such as your marital status or whether you are full or part-time. If you would like to read the full article about your weekly rate please click on the title of this post and it will take you directly to our libraray.

Motorcycle Accidents in Iowa: Sharing the Road with Motorists

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18825 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Sharing the road with different motorized vehicles is something we have to do. Being respectful and courteous to other drivers will help prevent accidents. There are things motorists and motorcycle riders can do to help one another on the road. There is a new article in our library about the different things drivers can do to be a more respectful driver. If you would like to read the full article, please click on the title of this blog post and it will take you to our library. Accidents happen everday, we can't fully prevent them, but there are ways to help prevent accident. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident Walker, Billingsley & Bair is here to help answer your questions.

Do You Have a Knee Injury?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18757 — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

There is a new article in our library about having a torn meniscus injury from work. This is a knee related injury that can easily happen if you frequently twist your knee or are putting the pressure of your full weight on your knee. There are many factory jobs that may require you to do this kind of thing every day at work, it can become very stressful to your body and cause an injury. If you would like to read the full article please click on the title of this blog post and it will take you to our library.

How is your weekly workers' compensation rate calculated?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18660 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

It is often a mystery to workers injured in Iowa about how their weekly check (known as "rate") is calculated. There is also a lot of confusion as many employers and insurance companies tell injured workers that the rate is 80% of their wages. Actually, the workers' compensation rate is based upon what is known as the injured workers average weekly wage, number of exemptions and marital status. Once the average weekly wage is determined then there is a formula which is based upon 80% of the workers spendable earnings before the work injury. To learn more about how the workers' compensation rate is calculated including a link to the chart which will show what your rate should be based upon your average weekly wage go to our question and answer about this topic.

Woman's Leg Injured by Pit Bull

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18720 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Nebraska woman has been hospitalized after she courageously saved a little boy from being injured by a pit bull over the weekend. Joyce Hanyes of Omaha is suffering severe leg injuries after fighting off a pit bull on Saturday. There is no indication what set the dog off on the little boy. If you would like to read the full article in our library please click on the title and it will take you to it.

Knee Pain

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18520 — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are various types of injuries you can get a work, knee pain and knee injuries are a common one. The knee is very complex which makes is easy for you to damage or injure different areas of your knee. If your job requires repetitive heavy lifting you may be at a higher risk for a knee injury. Please click on the title if you would like to read the entire article on knee injuries and treatment on one of our injury blogs.

Motorcycle Q&A: What Should I Avoid in My Case?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18208 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are many things you should do in your motorcycle crash claim, but there are also things that you will want to avoid doing. One of the major things you should always avoid is lying. You need to be truthful with your attorney, your doctors, and the insurance adjustor. Everything you say in regards to your case will most likely be documented. If you tell a few lies here and there not expecting it to be a big deal, it might come back on you further down the road and damage your case and the value of it. If you would like to learn more about the things you should avoid in your personal injury case, please check out our motorcycle questions and answers page on our website.

Are You Keeping Your Family Safe?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18376 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

We need to protect and make sure our children are safe, this includes keeping them safe and secure while traveling. Studies show that not every child is being properly buckled up. This is a scary thought when you think about how many accidents occur each year. If you don't buckle your child up there is a much great chance of them getting hurt or even possibly killed in an accident. Personal Injury accidents can happen to anyone regardless of their age. Child Passenger Safety Week urges parents to have their child's car seat inspected to make sure it is keeping their child safe in the car. If you would like to read the full article please click on the title and it will take you to our library.

Motorcycle Q&A: What Will an Attorney Do For Me?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18207 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Having an attorney help you with your case can be very beneficial. Sometimes when you are invovled in a motorcycle accident yourclaim may move slowly or the insurance company may take its sweet time investigating your claim. Having an attorney on your case may help move the process along. The attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process so you have a better understanding of what is going on in your case. They will also be able to increase the value of your claim by getting medical records and meeting with your doctors. Please visit our motorcycle questions and answers page on our website for further information on what an attorney can do for your case.

When Should I Notify My Employer?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18318 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you are hurt at work, you may not know the first step you should take. Informing your employer as soon as possible is one of the first things you should do. In workers' compensation cases you are only allowed a certain amount of time to get things filed with the workers' compensation commissioner before you may not be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Once you tell your employer, be sure he or she fills out a first report of injury to document when your injury happened and that you told your employer, this can be very beneficial to your claim.

If you are confused about what do to next, Corey J. L. Walker is here to help answer your questions. Corey practices primarily in workers' compensation and is dedicated to leveling the field between insurance companies and injured Iowans. If you would like more information about workers compensation cases you can request a copy of our Free Iowa Workers' Compensation book. This book reveals the injured Iowans Bill of Rights.
To request your Free copy today please call 1-800-707-2552 ext. 811 or visit IowaWorkInjury.com

Motorycycle Q&A: Which Attorney Should I Hire?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18206 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are so many attorneys in the Des Moines area to choose from if you have a personal injury matter. How do you know which one is qualified for your specific case? There are certain things you should ask the attorney such as what he or she primarily practices in, what their past clients have to say about them, and what their success rate is in personal injury cases. If the lawyer withholds that information or says that its confidential, you should probably look for a different attorney. We understand that it may be confusing to find the right legal help that fits your motorcycle accident claim. If you visit our motorcycle questions and answers page, you can read more information about how to know which attorney you should hire.

Motorcycle Q&A: Should I Hire an Attorney?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18163 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you or someone you know has been invovled in a motorcycle accident you may be confused as to what you should do next. Depending on your injuries and damages in the accident you may not need an attorney to assist you. Generally, if you did not receieve medical treatment or sustain any permanent injuries you may be better off dealing with the claim on your own. However, if your injuries are significant you may need some help from a lawyer in dealing with the insurance company.

If you would like to read more about if you should hire an attorney for your case, please visit the Motorcycle FAQs on our website for the complete answer. Dealing with your injury alone is already diffcult enough, having to put up with the insurance company adds stress. If you need assistance or have any questions, Walker, Billinglsey & Bair is here to help you. We are dedicated to leveling the field between insurance companies and injured Iowans.

Do You Need an Attorney in You or Your Child's Dog Bite Matter?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18090 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Iowa Injury Attorney Corey J. L. Walker who practices primarily in Personal Injury Law which includes dog bites tells you when you should consider hiring an attorney in a dog bite or dog attack case. Also, he discusses some of the benefits of hiring an attorney to help with the case.

Car and Truck Accidents Q & A

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18105 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident there are now commonly asked questions along with answers to help you.

Rotator Cuff Injury

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18116 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Rotator cuff injuries are common in factory and construction jobs, because of the heaving lifting and repetitive movements done at these jobs. Your rotator cuff offers a great range of motion of your shoulder and arm. If you damage this while you are working you may not be able to return to work right away. There are various treatment options, mostly surgical. However, there are some things you can do at home to prevent the pain and help the healing process. If you are an injured Iowan suffering from a rotator cuff injury you may have several questions about your work injury claim. Our attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair are here to help with all your questions and concerns.

To learn more about your work injury claim:
Visit our Injured Iowan website
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation
Request a Free copy of our Iowa Workers' Compensation Book

Business Owners Oppose Bike Safety

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18064 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Des Moines has proposed to add bicycle lanes to Ingersoll Avenue to give bike riders a share of the road and try to help reduce the number of accidents that have been happening recently. Some people do not agree with the bike lanes being added for fear that traffic may slow down and affect businesses, but also because the added lanes could mean no parking depending on the street the lanes are added to. Bike riders has been an ongoing controversy for a while now and cities are trying to accomodate them and provide safety to the bike riders. The right solution may be tough to find.

Walker, Billinglsey & Bair practice primarily in personal injury cases such as bike accidents. If you or a someone you know has been injured our lawyers are here to help you. If you would like to learn more about your personal injury claim you can request a Free copy of our Car Accident Book which reveals your rights when injured in an accident. You can call 800-707-2552 ext. 813 or visit our Injured Iowan Website.

Iowa Dog Bite Q & A (Questions & Answers)

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)18084 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you or a loved one have been bitten or attacked by a dog there is now available some commonly asked questions and their answers to help you through the process.

Your Employer's Insurance Company

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17951 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you are injured at work you will have to deal with your employer's insurance company, unless they are self-insured. Then you will have to deal with a claims or company representative and the same basic rules apply. The insurance company more than likely will not work with you. Most of the time they do anything they can to damage or hurt your claim so it loses value. You need to be prepared to deal with them and do everything in an orderly fashion so nothing will come back on you later and hurt your case. Documenting everything that goes on with your claim and injury is a great way to be sure you have the most accurate information about your claim.

We understand that dealing with a workers' compensation claim can be frustrating and confusing. If you are having any questions or concerns Walker, Billingsley is here to help. Attorney Corey J. L. Walker practices primarily in workers' compensation cases. He is dedicated to leveling the field between insurance companies and injured Iowans.

To learn more about your workers' compensation claim:
Visit our Injured Iowan Website
Watch a video about dealing with your injury claim
Request a Free copy of our Iowa Workers' Compensation Book
Contact Walker, Billinglsey & Bair about a free consultation

Do You Have a Head Injury?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17871 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

It is possible for you to have a head injury and not even know it, the symptoms can take from a few hours to a couple days to fully show up. If you are experiencing severe and persistent symptoms you may want to be seen by your doctor so you can be further evaluated and diagnosed. Concussions are common injuries among people who play sports or people who have been in a car, truck, motorcycle, or work accident.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a personal injury or work accident, Walker, Billingsley and Bair is here to answer questions or help with any concerns you may be having regarding your injury claim. Our team of injury attorneys dedicate their time to handling injury cases. Each year thousands of Iowans get injured in car, truck, motorcycle, and work accidents, but most fail to learn their rights. To receive a Free book entitled "Iowa Workers' Compensation- An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries" which describes Iowa work injuries including the "7 Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work" Call Now 1-800-707-2552 (ext. 511) (24 Hour Recorded Message) or log onto http://www.IowaWorkInjury.com.

Is your employer making your work injury worse?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17822 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

It is hard to say how your employer is going to treat you if you are hurt at work until it actually happens. There are many things you can do to help the process of a workers' compensation claim go better with your employer such as notifying your employer right away of the injury you sustained on the job. Keeping details or information about your injury from your employer will only hurt your case, don't be afraid to tell your employer you are hurt, they need to know so you can get treatment.

If your employer chooses not to work with you, but gives you more hassle regarding your injury than it may be time to talk to someone about your. injury claim. Walker, Billinsley & Bair is here to help you with your questions and concerns. To learn more including the 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if You are Hurt at Work order a copy of my FREE Book entitled “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries”.

Why offer a Free Book? I have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and 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 Call Now (800)-850-6617, ext. 811 (24 Hour Message) or go to www.IowaWorkInjury.com.

Is Your City Making it Safer For Bike Riders?

kristin@walklaw.com (blog Author)17722 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

There has been effort made in certain Iowa cities this summer to make the roads safer for cyclists to ride on. Bike riders on the road seem to create a lot of accidents and tension between cyclist and drivers. Regardless of your mode of transportation you need to respect other drivers on the road, when this doesn't happen it seems like more accidents occur. It is great that cities are starting to recognize that cyclist may need room on the road as well since bike riding is a popular hobby in Iowa.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rights as a bike rider Walker, Billingsley & Bair is here to help. Our team of injury attorney practice primarily in personal injury cases such as bike accidents. We are dedicated to leveling the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.
To learn more about your bike accident:
Visit our Injured Iowa website
Request a Free copy of our Car Accident Book
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation

Are You at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17607 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many factory jobs in Iowa require their workers to do repetitive motions day after day. Depending on what part of your body you are using consistently at work, it can cause problems or even an injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in the wrist and hand, it can cause you to feel numbness or pain in your hands and wrists. It may even prevent you from having full function of your hands to the point where you are unable to perform your job.

If you or someone you know has any questions or concerns regarding a work injury, Walker, Billingsley & Bair is here to help you. Our team of injury attorneys are committed to giving your case the personal attention that it needs. Attorney Corey J.L. Walker practices primarily in workers' compensation cases and is dedicated to leveling the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.
To learn more about your work injury:
Visit our Injured Iowan Website
Watch a video about dealing with your work injury claim
Request a Free copy of our Iowa Workers' Compensation Book
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation

Tips to Safe Driving

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17553 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are drivers on the road at all times of the day, this means your risk of getting into an accident while driving is high. We assume that risk the minute we get behind the wheel to drive. We never know when an accident is going to happen and they can't be fully prevented, but you can take steps to protect yourself and loved ones. Being a safe and cautious driver along with having a properly maintaned car are the best things you can do for you and your family while driving.

Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer your questions or help with any concerns you may be having regarding an accident claim you or somone you know may have. We are dedicated to leveling the playing field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. Each year thousands of Iowans are injured in car accidents, but many fail to learn about their legal rights and responsibilites.
To learn more about your accident crash claim:
Visit our Injured Iowan Website
Watch a video about dealing with your car accident
Request a Free copy of our Car Accident Book
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation

Motorcycle Safety: Tips to Preventing an Accident

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17482 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Riding Motorcycles is a popular hobby in Iowa, motorcyclist need to be aware of things that they can do to prevent an accident. There is a lot of risk of getting into an accident involved when deciding to ride a motorcycle, protecting yourself and others should be very important to you. The main things you can do to help prevent an accident is to be trained well, never drink and ride, and to keep up on proper maintenance.

If you or somone you know has any questions or concerns regarding motorcycle laws or an accident you may have been invovled in, Walker, Billinglsey & Bair is here to help.
A new FREE Book reveals: ·The #1 Way to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident ·1 Myths about Motorcycle Accidents ·6 Things to Know Before Talking to the Insurance Adjustor or Hiring an Attorney. To learn how to avoid an accident and costly mistakes go to http://www.MotorcycleAccidentBook.com or Call Now (800)-707-2552, ext. 815 (24 Hour Recorded Message).

Are You a Frequent Bike Rider?

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17434 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

This summer has created a lot of attention towards bike riders and what towns are doing to help prevent cyclists from getting into accidents. Iowa City is one city in Iowa that has taken the step to give bike riders their own lane on the road. Des Moines is going to do the same thing on Ingersoll if it gets passed within the next week or so. Many people seem to be fed up with cyclist riding on the road, there is now a petition circulating to ban bike riders from cycling on county and rural road. This would prevent any person living in the country to ride their bike to town whether it be for exercise or to run an errand. Cyclist need to be aware that their rights may be changing in the near future. If you are a frequent rider it might be helpful for you to check out any trails or paths your community for you to ride on. Also, obeying the traffic rules just as if you were driving a car may help create a friendlier environment between drivers and cyclist.

Our team of injury attorneys practice primarily in personal injury cases such as bike accidents. If you or someone you know has any questions or concerns Walker, Billingsley & Bair is here to help.
To learn more about personal injury cases:
Visit our Injured Iowa Website
Request a Free Copy of our Personal Injury Book
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation

Common Work Injury

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17366 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many hard working Iowans have been injured at their place of work at one time or another. Back injuries are fairly common at construction and factory jobs or any kind of job that requires you to do a lot of heavy lifting or twisting of your back. A herniated disc is a specific kind of back or neck injury that occurs when the small spongy disc in your back around your spine become injured.

Attorney, Corey J.L. Walker practices primarily in workers' compensation and is dedicated to leveling the playing field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. If you or a loved one has been injured at work Walker, Billingsley & Bair is here to answer your questions and help with any concerns you may have.

Learn more about how to deal with your work injury:
Visit our Injured Iowan Website
Watch at video about dealing with your work injury claim
Request a Free copy of our Iowa Workers' Compensation Book
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation

Dangers of Using Your Cell Phone While Driving

corey@walklaw.com (blog Author)17204 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

The number of people who own cell phones has increased drastically over the last couple years. The texting feature on cell phones is used daily by a majority of cell phone users, because it is an easy way to get in touch with someone without having an actual phone conversation. Talking on the phone while driving and texting while driving takes away from your concentration which can cause a preventable accident. Can can read the full article in our library about things you should to do prevent an accident due to using your cell phone while driving. Walker, Billingsley & Bair is dedicated to leveling the playing field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. Our team of injury attorneys are here to help answer any of your questions or concerns.

http://www.iowainjured.com/library/hang-up-and-drive-dangers-in-using-your-cell-phone-while-driving.cfm