Last Updated: 8/17/2023

A dispute of your Iowa Workers' Comp claim is handled by 3 main parties: yourself, your employer or their insurer, and the Workers' Compensation Commissioner (WCC). The WCC is a neutral party, and your employer or the insurer probably has their own legal backing, so it's in your best interest to have a work injury attorney from Des Moines, Iowa on your side.

Disputes of an Iowa Workers' Comp claim can happen for any number of reasons at any stage of your claim resolution. Sometimes it starts with your employer neglecting to file a report with the Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation. Other times it may be the insurance company refusing to pay you disability benefits.

No matter what the dispute, it can be handled by the office of the WCC, which is responsible for upholding Iowa Workers' Compensation laws. Considering the WCC is impartial and only serves as a resource for the rights of the parties and procedures to resolving disputes, you should find legal guidance from a work injury attorney.

Des Moines, Iowa is home to thousands of workers and they all have the same basic rights under Iowa Workers' Compensation law. To protect your rights when you find it necessary to file an Iowa Workers' Comp claim, you should have an attorney on your side who knows the laws and how to handle a dispute should one impair your claim.

With so much at stake in your Workers' Comp claim, and so many factors that could potentially ruin your case, you should establish a relationship with your attorney as soon as possible.

 

Knowing these 5 common disputes may help you catch a problem before it escalates, which result in a delay or denial of your benefits: 

  • Your injury isn't serious. Your employer and the company doctor may try to convince you that your work injury isn't serious enough to warrant a claim or qualify for benefits.
  • Your injury didn't occur in a work situation. This dispute is often connected with work injuries that manifest over time such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • You can't see any other doctors. While you do have to see the doctor your employer selects, you may also see other physicians, although your employer may not pay for that treatment.
  • You have to return to work when your employer tells you to. If you're not fully recovered you may need to dispute an order to return to work.
  • You're denied benefits without clear explanation. You have the right to a detailed explanation of any decisions made in your Iowa Workers' Compensation claim. 

You may not be able to catch a potential issue with your Iowa Worker's Compensation claim before it turns into a full-blown dispute. Obtaining the guidance of a work injury lawyer in Des Moines can sometimes help catch these problems earlier before they become major disputes of your Iowa Workers' Compensation claim



Contacting a Work Injury Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Before disputing an Iowa Workers' Comp claim you should seek professional help to make sure you aren't ruining your chances at a fair settlement. An attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair will know the importance of protecting your 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 641-792-3595. For immediate assistance or to schedule a consultation, call 641-792-3595.

Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.