http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/ Walker, Billingsley & Bair Blog en-us 2012 Walker, Billingsley & Bair, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/ Fri, 18 May 2012 04:46:37 GMT http://www.iowainjured.com/images/logoprint.gif http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/

After an occupational injury in Iowa, your employer has the right to choose your doctor. However, sometimes the employer’s doctor may say that nothing can be done for your injury. You may know a doctor who says that he or she can provide treatment for your injury. What recourse do you have in this situation?

Start by contacting your employer’s insurance company and requesting that they either send you to a new doctor or ask your current doctor to provide the recommended treatment. Give the insurance company 10 to 14 days to respond. If the insurance company refuses your request or does not respond, then you can file a document called a Petition for Alternative Medical Care. This form, called Form 100C, is available from Iowa Workforce. Make sure to attach a copy of the applicable medical records to the form.

You may want to contact an Iowa attorney to support you through filing the paperwork and dealing with the insurance company. Our free book, Iowa Workers’ Compensation: An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries will give you good information about your rights in an occupational injury case. The book is yours when you call 1-800-707-2552 (ext. 811) (24 Hour Recorded Message) or log onto www.IowaWorkInjury.com. The book was created because our law firm has seen too many people from towns like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Newton make mistakes that cost them thousands of dollars. For immediate assistance call 515-440-2852 and ask for Corey or Erik.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/what%2Dcan%2Di%2Ddo%2Dif%2Di%2Ddon%2Dt%2Dlike%2Dmy%2Demployer%2Ds%2Doccupational%2Dinjury%2Ddoctor%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-81374 Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Workers’ Compensation claim that you file so that you can stay afloat financially.  How much you will receive will depend on a few factors, which you will need to discuss with a dedicated Workers’ Compensation attorney. These factors include: 

• how long you had been working before you were injured;
• how much you are working now;
• your average earnings before the injury occurred; and
• whether you were paid on an hourly basis or are a salaried employee.

Since there are deadlines involved with filing a Workers' Compensation claim, you should consult with an attorney as soon as you are able to do so.
 
Contact an Iowa Workers' Compensation Attorney Answers

If you are unsure how to determine your rate and need a specialized Workers’ Compensation attorney to help, we are here. Walker, Billingsley & Bair has the experience that you need and a staff that you can trust will get everything figured out. Call us today at (641) 792-3595, and ask about our guide: Iowa Workers’ Compensation – An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/iowa%2Dworkers%2Dcompensation%2Dclaim%2Drate%2Dof%2Dpay%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-81717 Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT
Another possibility may be to get you to quit so they don’t have to deal with the legal hassles and expenses of firing you.

How do you know If you’re being set up to fail at work?

The first step is take a look around at your current working conditions and then ask yourself these questions to help you determine if you’re working in a hostile work environment.
 

• Does your supervisor set impossible deadlines that you cannot possibly meet?
• Are your co-workers walking out the door at a reasonable hour while you dutifully stay late to complete assignments—including some of their work?
• Are you the last employee to get the latest technology and therefore cannot do your job properly or on time?
• Is your boss or co-worker constantly interrupting you so that you cannot finish your work?
• Are you constantly attending meetings in which you cannot figure out why you’re there, which wastes your valuable time?
• Does your boss or co-worker use abusive or offensive language that ridicules, mocks or humiliates you?

It may be time to have a Workers’ Compensation attorney intervene on your behalf.

Contacting an Iowa Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you are suffering from work-related anxiety in Iowa because of the willful and undermining conduct of your boss or co-workers, you can stop the abuse by contacting a Workers’ Compensation attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair.

If you would like to learn more about workers’ compensation from the comfort of your home, order our FREE book: Iowa Workers’ Compensation An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. Call 1-800-707-2552 today to receive your free workers’ compensation book and when you are ready to speak to an attorney about your situation, Call 515-440-2852 to receive immediate legal assistance. 
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/iowa%2Dworkplace%2Danxiety%2Dis%2Dyour%2Dboss%2Dor%2Dco%2Dworker%2Dsetting%2Dyou%2Dup%2Dfor%2Dfailure%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-81058 Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Fear of failure and work-related anxiety often act in concert to halt many a promising career. 

7 Career-Busting Behaviors Caused by Fear of Failure and Anxiety

If you exhibit these symptoms, you may be suffering from work-related anxiety: 

• not volunteering for extra assignments that would demonstrate a willingness to be a team player and earn important recognition points;
• turning down educational opportunities that would increase knowledge and expertise, enabling you to take on new and challenging projects;
• shying away from travel which opens the doors for networking and new experiences;
• belittling your own contributions and talking down your value to the company because of feelings of low self-esteem;
• overcompensating by being the office perfectionist at the cost of missing critical deadlines;
• developing a minimalist approach to reduce the chances of making a mistake; and
• adopting a defeatist attitude and simply giving up and quitting. 

While the intensity of the fear of failure and anxiety may feel the same for the worker regardless of the cause, there are some work-related anxieties that are the result of an abnormal or hostile work environment, which may warrant Workers’ Compensation.

Never Fear Contacting a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you are suffering from work-related anxiety in Iowa, you do not have to be apprehensive about contacting a worker’s compensation attorney at Walker, Billinglsey & Bair. If you would like to learn more about workers’ compensation from the comfort of your own home, order our FREE book: Iowa Workers’ Compensation An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To-Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. Call 1-800-707-2552 today to order your free Iowa Workers’ Compensation book and when ready to speak to a knowledgeable attorney about your situation Call 515-440-2852. 
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/iowa%2Dworkers%2Dcompensation%2D7%2Dways%2Dfear%2Dof%2Dfailure%2Dmay%2Dbe%2Dto%2Dblame%2Dfor%2Dyour%2Danxiety%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-80716 Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT work accident in Iowa and are dealing with the constant pain that accompanies serious knee damage or post-traumatic arthritis, you have probably considered total knee replacement surgery. 

In some cases, Workers' Compensation insurance companies are resistant to paying for expensive surgeries, and will exhaust all other treatment options first, leaving you in pain for months or years longer than you need to be. Although Iowa law permits you to see a doctor of your choosing, you will have to pay all associated costs which can spiral into tens of thousands of dollars.

The average total knee replacement surgery costs approximately $35,000, including the cost of temporary living adjustments while you recover, such as safety bars, a shower bench, and so on. Furthermore, knee implants need to be replaced approximately once every 10 to 15 years, so if you’re 40 when you are injured, you might need to undergo surgery several more times in your life. 

Help from an Iowa Workers' Compensation Attorney

If the doctor who your employers have selected for you is unwilling to refer you to surgery, your workers' comp attorney may file an Alternate Care Application with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commission on your behalf. Contact the law offices of Walker, Billingsley & Bair and learn how we can help you – 1-800-707-2552.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/costs%2Dof%2Dtotal%2Dknee%2Dreplacement%2Dsurgery%2Dafter%2Da%2Dwork%2Daccident%2Din%2Diowa%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-80608 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT concussion or other serious medical problems due to the negligence of another driver or another third party, you have rights. You should call an Iowa personal injury attorney and have them review your case. 

You may not be sure what exactly a personal injury attorney does or if they can really help you with your case. However, you should know that many accident victims have received fair compensation for their injuries thanks to their personal injury attorney.
 How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help after an Ankeny Car Accident

First of all, an attorney will meet with you and ask you to give them all the details of the accident. Once you tell them all the details, they can then conduct an investigation and determine: 

• whether you have a legitimate case;
• who is at fault for the car accident; and
• what your legal rights are.  

If your personal injury attorney feels you have a strong case, he or she will help you file a claim against the guilty party or the insurance company. In cases involving a concussion, your attorney will help you fight for compensation for:  

• current and future medical expenses;
• lost wages;
• altered quality of life; and
• incidental expenses related your injury. 

If you try to handle an injury case on your own, there's a good chance you will not receive all compensation that you may be entitled.

Contact an Ankeny Personal Injury Attorney

Don’t suffer from the effects of your Ankeny car accident alone. Contact a personal injury attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair. Our firm can answer any questions you may have and will work with you to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

An Iowa personal injury attorney is knowledgeable of all types of injury laws and they are your best bet when dealing with the effects of a concussion. Schedule a consultation and order our FREE book for Iowa accident victims, The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case, by calling 1-888-792-3595.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/after%2Dankeny%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dseek%2Dhelp%2Dfrom%2Diowa%2Dpersonal%2Dinjury%2Dattorney%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-80610 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT pedestrian accident, but if your child has been injured by a motor vehicle, reach out to an Iowa personal injury lawyer who may be able to help. 

Most commonly, children are injured while playing in neighborhood streets and driveways by drivers who are unable to see the children in their rear-view mirrors. To minimize the risk of hitting a child, do the following: 

• install an after-market rear-view camera for the back of your vehicle – some newer models come with this feature, so ask about it when car shopping;
• always check the rear of your vehicle for objects or people you might hit when backing out – be sure that you actually get out of the vehicle and walk behind it to check; and
• roll your window down and check all of your blind spots when maneuvering in neighborhood areas or on streets where children frequent. 

Help from an Iowa Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Reach out to a personal injury lawyer if you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Iowa; you may be eligible for financial compensation to offset the cost of your injuries. Contact our offices today – 1-800-707-2552.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/prevent%2Dchild%2Dinjury%2Dfrom%2Da%2Dpedestrian%2Daccident%2Din%2Diowa%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-80525 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT more people are on the road and at risk for a serious pedestrian accident. 

In addition to those killed, nearly 17 times as many were injured in the same year – roughly 70,000. Some segments of data are difficult for analysts to dissect; for instance, what is the average exposure that people spend crossing the street when they are walking for transportation?

This information would help researchers fill in the gaps and isolate the most dangerous aspects of walking for transportation. What is known, however, is that urban areas pose a higher risk for pedestrians – about 72% of pedestrian fatalities occur in densely populated areas.

Help from a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Iowa

After sustaining a serious injury or losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Iowa, you may be entitled to certain damages. To learn more about your options, contact one of our attorneys at the Law Offices of Walker, Billingsley & Bair – 1-800-707-2552.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/news%2Dfor%2Dresidents%2Din%2Diowa%2Dpedestrian%2Daccident%2Dfatality%2Dstatistics%2Ddecrease%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-80362 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT After a serious work accident, you may have difficulty determining whether or not it’s time for you to consider total knee replacement surgery. Given that Iowa law permits employers to choose which doctor you see, you may also be dealing with an uncooperative physician who insists that you don’t need surgery – or even that you are fine.  

Here are 4 signs that you need to consider total knee replacement surgery and speak with an attorney who can help you get the coverage you deserve: 

• knee pain prevents you from engaging in activities that you enjoy;
• you have tried to use other means of treatment and therapy to address your pain, but it is persisting or getting worse;
• knee pain prevents you from engaging in necessary activities; and
• your knee pain keeps you awake at night. 

Speak with an attorney about how you can get the care you deserve, even with an uncooperative doctor or Workers' Compensation insurer.

Getting Help from an Iowa Workers' Compensation Law Firm

Most Iowa Workers' Compensation claims are rejected because of incorrectly filed paperwork, missing documentation, or, in some cases, because of a doctor-employer or doctor-insurer relationship. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, we will aggressively pursue justice for you and fight for fair evaluations and coverage – 1-800-707-2552.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/after%2Da%2Dwork%2Daccident%2Din%2Diowa%2D4%2Dsigns%2Dyou%2Dneed%2Da%2Dtotal%2Dknee%2Dreplacement%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-80251 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT concussion is a serious head injury that can cause brain damage in an Ankeny car accident. If you hit your heard hard enough on the steering wheel or dashboard, your brain could make rough contact with the inside of your skull, causing injury.  Although a concussion typically will not penetrate the skull, serious damage can still result. 

Your symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury, but common symptoms include: 

• confusion;
• nausea; and
• headaches. 

Symptoms that aren't so common include internal bleeding and coma. Some victims may also experience unconsciousness, difficulty walking, paralysis, memory loss or seizures. The consequences of a closed head injury from car accident incidents can also intrude on a victim's personal relationships and psychological wellbeing.

As for psychological and cognitive effects, some sufferers of a concussion will experience: 

• difficulty sleeping;
• lack of coordination;
• change in personality;
• altered social skills;
• trouble concentrating; and
• difficulty coping. 

A concussion can take several months to heal, which may cause you miss a lot of time from work. If the Ankeny car accident that caused your concussion was the result of someone else's negligence, speak with an Iowa personal injury attorney who may be able to help you recover damages.

Contact an Ankeny Personal Injury Attorney

Don’t suffer from the effects of your Ankeny car accident alone. Contact a personal injury attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair. Our firm can answer any questions you may have and will work with you to help you claim the compensation you deserve. 

An Iowa personal injury attorney is knowledgeable of all types of injury laws and they are your best bet when dealing with the effects of a concussion. Schedule a consultation and order our FREE book for Iowa accident victims, The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case, by calling 1-888-792-3595.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/after%2Dan%2Dankeny%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dthe%2Deffects%2Dof%2Da%2Dconcussion%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-79151 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT Work-related injuries can be even more difficult because of the anxiety and sense of loss – whether temporary or permanent – of one's livelihood. 

According to psychiatrist Dr. Charles Raison, there are 3 pertinent steps you can take to manage depression that results from a work-related injury: 
Get the pain under control. Pain and depression feed off each other in a vicious cycle. There may be treatments for your pain that you have not explored yet. Speak with your healthcare providers and reputable pain management specialists to make sure you know all your options. 

Get some exercise, especially early in the morning. You may not be able to do a lot, but if you can, follow a movement routine that is appropriate for your injury. Try starting off with low-intensity workouts such as walking around the block.

Eat healthy and get some sleep. Lack of sleep is often associated with both pain and depression, so address insomnia if it is a problem. Follow a diet that provides you with adequate nutrients and vitamins. 

With the help of your healthcare providers, you can manage depression and pain and put your life back together after a work-related injury. 

Injured in Ames? Call a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A work accident can turn your life upside down. The Ames Workers’ Compensation 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.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/work%2Drelated%2Dinjuries%2Din%2Dames%2D3%2Dsteps%2Dto%2Davoid%2Ddeveloping%2Ddepression%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-78920 Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT Every year, there are nearly 4.7 million injuries that happen in the United States when dogs bite. According to insurance companies, the five dog breeds that are most often associated with dog bite injuries are:

1. Presa Canario—This dog is a mix of a mastiff and a pit bull that is often used to herd cattle. These dogs weigh up to 125 pounds and are about 25 inches tall.
2. Doberman Pinscher—Dobermans are bred to guard their owners and to respond immediately when they feel threatened. Avoid violent or aggressive play with this breed.
3. Husky—These dogs have very complex personalities and are sometimes dangerous in the hands of inexperienced owners.
4. German Shepherd—These large dogs have a brave and confident nature, which accounts for their use in police work. However, that confident nature can often make this breed aggressive.
5. Rottweiler—Rottweilers often dislike people and animals that they have never met. They have very strong jaws that make them extremely effective at defending their owners.

When dogs bite, any breed can cause serious injury, no matter what their size or disposition. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite, torder a copy of our free book so that you can learn more about your rights. Simply go to www.DogBiteBook.com or call 1-800-707-2552 (ext. 513) (24 Hour Recorded Message). For immediate assistance call 515-440-2852 and ask for Corey.




]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/do%2Dcertain%2Ddogs%2Dbite%2Dmore%2Doften%2Dthan%2Dothers%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-78708 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT work injury in Des Moines and you're seeking compensation for pain and suffering, you should keep track of some very important paperwork. Any legal case requires certain documentation, and in a personal injury case, you may have medical paperwork to deal with as well. It's smart to be prepared so that you can work effectively with your personal injury lawyer.

Keeping Documents in Order During a Work Injury Claim

When you're first injured, getting your paperwork organized is probably not the most prominent thought in your mind, but being orderly can pay off in the long run because it helps your lawyer build your case. It is important for you to understand that evidence (or lack thereof) can make or break a case. The more you can gather, the better. 

After an accidental injury, if you have possession of the following documents, you should keep them together in a safe place for easy access: 

• insurance papers;
• medical bills;
• medical records;
• documented evidence;
• notes from phone communication with insurance adjusters;
• police reports; and
• other paperwork that you may believe is relevant to your case. 

Purchase 3-ring binders and/or folders to organize your documents. You also can make use of colored organizing tabs so you can find what you are looking for easily. 

Injured in Des Moines? Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you've been injured, you have options. The Des Moines personal injury attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. That’s why we provide this FREE book -- The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation: 1-515-440-2852.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/work%2Dinjury%2Dclaim%2Din%2Ddes%2Dmoines%2Dkeeping%2Dyour%2Ddocuments%2Din%2Dorder%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-78818 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT work accident is a painful condition that results from injury, overuse or frequent bending of the elbow. It also can cause tingling, weakness and difficulty with grasping, pinching, and otherwise using the fingers or hand. These complications may entitle you to Workers' Compensation benefits in Waterloo, but a Workers' Comp attorney is someone you should speak with first to determine eligibility.

Non-invasive forms of treatment are generally tried first. If that does not work, surgery may be done. However, even that could lead to further complications.

An issue that may be experienced with cubital tunnel syndrome is permanent hand weakness. Weakness can impact an individual’s life significantly, including the ability to continue to work, considering you use your hands for basic daily activities.

Another complication is permanent hand numbness. The loss of sensation can be very unpleasant to deal with and dangerous around extreme temperatures.

Ongoing pain and other discomforts may also be felt. Despite treatment and months of recovery, an individual may be limited in the use of hands and fingers in the long run, which is why Workers' Compensation may be available to cover your losses. 

Injured in Waterloo? Call a Workers' Comp Lawyer

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.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/waterloo%2Dwork%2Daccident%2Dcomplications%2Dof%2Da%2Dcubital%2Dtunnel%2Dsyndrome%2Dinjury%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-78342 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT seat belts and safety harnesses, there is still a small percentage of people who do not wear these devices that could save your life in a car accident. If you are one of the few who refuses to wear your seat belt, consider the reasons why you should.

Protect Your Potential Injury Claim

If you refuse to wear your seatbelt, you may be found partially at fault for any injuries you sustain in a car accident. As your Des Moines personal injury attorney will explain, this could result in a reduction of any damages that you may be entitled to in an injury claim.

It’s the Law

In Iowa, anyone riding in the front seat of a vehicle made after 1966 or later is required to wear a seat belt. If you are caught violating this law, you could be issued a citation and ordered to pay fines, surcharges and court costs. In addition, this violation will be reported on your driving record.

Your Safety

In the event of a car accident, you potentially could be thrown from your vehicle or hit your head on the windshield. Depending on the force of the impact, you could sustain life-altering injuries or even die. Ensure that you remain in your seat by buckling up.

People Care about You

If the reasons above aren’t enough to convince you to wear a seat belt, think about the people who love you. By taking just a second to click in your seat belt, you can decrease your chances of injuries and even death in the event of a car accident. 

Contacting a Des Moines Personal Injury Attorney

If you were wearing your seat belt but sustained injuries in a car accident, a qualified lawyer can help you file an injury claim. The Des Moines personal injury attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. That’s why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 1-800-707-2552 to order your free accident book today. Call 1-515-440-2852 for immediate legal assistance.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/iowa%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dinjury%2Dclaim%2D4%2Dreasons%2Dto%2Dwear%2Dyour%2Dseat%2Dbelt%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-78346 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT work injury or develop an injury caused by work-related tasks that impact your working routine, you could be eligible to receive Workers' Compensation benefits. However, if your claim has been denied in Waterloo, you may need to contact a Workers' Comp attorney. 

An injury to the elbow or certain pressure placed on the elbow can lead to a condition called cubital tunnel syndrome. It can cause pain, tingling and weakness, which may affect the arm, hand and fingers.

Most of the time, conservative forms of treatment are all that is necessary. Physical therapy, a protective elbow pad and wearing a splint at night are some types of non-invasive treatments. Avoiding unnecessary pressure on the elbow during the day also may help.

If the damage to the nerve is more severe, then surgery may need to be done. There are different types, depending on the exact location of the damage and the extent of it. 

After surgery, you may also need to undergo rehabilitation and the recovery process can take months. During this time you may be out of work, which is why you should consider pursuing Workers' Compensation. 

Injured in Waterloo? Call a Workers' Comp Attorney

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.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/waterloo%2Dwork%2Dinjury%2Dtreating%2Da%2Dcubital%2Dtunnel%2Dsyndrome%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-78340 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT statistics from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), seat belts saved approximately 12,500 lives in 2010. When you consider that seat belts and safety harnesses consist of a piece of fabric and a buckle, it may be hard to believe that they can ensure your safety during a car accident. So how, exactly, do seat belts work? 

To understand how seat belts function, you have to think back to physics class. Newton’s first law essentially states that an object at rest will stay at rest and an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. This means that if you are moving forward in a vehicle and suddenly stop because the driver slammed on the brakes or the vehicle was struck, you would continue to move forward unless stopped by another force. A seat belt acts as that force, keeping you from remaining in motion and hitting your head on the dashboard or windshield, or being thrown from the car.

A seat belt also protects you in a car accident by spreading the stopping force across your body to reduce the risk of injuries. When used properly, the safety harness, which is strapped across your body, will apply most of the force to your rib cage and pelvis. Because these parts of the body are sturdier than others, they can withstand this force.

Seat belts have been proven to save countless lives. However, you can still suffer serious injuries in a devastating car accident. As a victim, you should speak with a Des Moines personal injury attorney to discuss filing an injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Contacting a Des Moines Personal Injury Attorney

Seat belts are miracle workers, but they can’t protect you from all negligent or reckless drivers. The Des Moines personal injury attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. That’s why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 1-800-707-2552 to order your free accident book today. Call 1-515-440-2852 for immediate legal assistance.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/how%2Dseat%2Dbelts%2Dcan%2Dprotect%2Dyou%2Din%2Dan%2Diowa%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-78345 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT car accidents, Iowa residents often start wondering whether or not they’re able to receive some sort of reimbursement after the accident, and how to go about doing so. Fortunately, there are several ways you may be able to collect compensation, even when you’re partly at fault for the accident, but you should talk about the specifics of your case with an Ames injury lawyer.

Determining fault is a major step, and can turn into a huge part of how financial matters get handled after a car accident in Iowa. This means that the party or parties who are legally at fault may be held responsible for the resulting losses and injuries.

After you and your attorney have determined who is at fault or what degree of fault each driver had (if you were both partly responsible), then you may start deciding which avenues of financial restitution you can pursue.

 Injured parties generally have 3 possible ways they may be able to seek compensation, which inclue filing: 

• a claim with their own insurance company;
• a claim with the other party’s insurance company; and
• a lawsuit against the other party.

Furthermore, when you’re partly at fault for the accident, complicated issues such as navigating Iowa’s negligence rules can become an exceedingly important matter. To increase your chances of a successful resolution after your accident, consult an experienced Ames injury lawyer as soon as is practical.

Contacting an Ames Injury Lawyer

After your car accident in Iowa, you’ll naturally want to pursue all possible avenues of compensation. The Ames injury attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. If you need immediate legal assistance contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair at 515-440-2852. Order our FREE book for Iowa accident victims; The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case by calling 1-800-707-2552.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/involved%2Din%2Da%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Din%2Diowa%2D3%2Dpossible%2Davenues%2Dof%2Dfinancial%2Drestitution%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-76891 Sat, 17 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT work accident  injury is an important part of the healing process. There are a number of things you can do after your operation to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid any complications.

Following your surgery, you may experience some pain. While eliminating the pain entirely may be impossible, your doctor and/or surgeon will work with you to control the pain in order to allow you to move. Follow the doctor’s medication instructions to avoid any problems. If you experience a dramatic increase in pain, immediately contact your physician.

Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may need to care for your incision. This could include frequently changing your bandage if your surgeon advises you to do so. Before leaving the hospital, watch how the staff changes your dressing so you know how to do it when you get home.

After your discharge, be vigilant of any signs of complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately: 

• fever;
• problems breathing;
• problems with wound drainage;
• nausea;
• persistent diarrhea or constipation;
• inability to eat or drink;
• a sharp increase in pain; or
• leg pain.

The amount of activity you can perform when you get home will depend on the type of surgery you have had. While some types of surgery may require physical therapy, other types may require only taking it easy when you get home.

If your surgery is related to a work accident, you may be entitled to Iowa Workers' Compensation disability benefits while recovering. An Ankeny Workers' Comp attorney can provide you with more information on potential benefits.

Contacting an Ankeny Workers' Comp Attorney

If you are recovering from surgery after a work accident injury, an attorney can help you file an Iowa Workers' Compensation claim in order to receive benefits for your time off of work and medical expenses. The Ankeny Workers' Comp 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.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/recovering%2Dfrom%2Dsurgery%2Dafter%2Da%2Dwork%2Daccident%2Din%2Diowa%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-76879 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT car accident in Iowa and were partly responsible, you can expect to demonstrate to the insurance adjuster or the court that the other driver was partly to blame too. An experienced Ames injury lawyer can assist you with filing a claim.

Under Iowa’s comparative negligence rule, the claimant’s settlement can anticipate a reduction by their degree of fault. In order to reduce your degree of liability for the accident, and to increase the amount of compensation you may be eligible for, you and your attorney may have to successfully show that the other driver acted negligently and his or her negligence actually contributed to the accident.

A few types of driver conduct that could be deemed as negligence include: 

• distracted driving (using a cellphone, texting, etc.);
• speeding;
• riding in a car that the driver knew was defective (e.g., driving without lights); and
• making sudden, unexpected moves (depending upon the circumstances). 

Proving negligence in car accidents is no easy feat, though. It can take a large amount of research, skill, and experience. But, this is may be an essential component of your car accident claim in Iowa, especially when you may be partly at fault for the accident. Consult an Ames injury attorney for an initial consultation and go over the details of your accident so you can determine the best way to move forward.

Contacting an Ames Injury Lawyer

Proving that the other driver was at least partly responsible for your car accident in Ames is an important part of your case. The Ames injury attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. If you need immediate legal assistance contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair at 515-440-2852. Order our FREE book for Iowa accident victims; The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case by calling 1-800-707-2552.
]]> http://www.iowainjured.com/blog/proving%2Dthe%2Dother%2Ddriver%2Ds%2Dnegligence%2Din%2Da%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Din%2Diowa%2Ecfm www.iowainjured.com-76890 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT