Attorneys
Last Updated: 5/11/2023
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In many Iowa workers' compensation cases you will be evaluated for a permanent impairment rating once the doctors have placed you at MMI (maximum medical improvement). The impairment rating may be the only factor or one of many factors depending upon the type of case that you have:
1. Industrial injury- body as a whole (back, neck, shoulder, CPRS, mental health, etc.) in these cases your impairment rating is one of many factors including your age, education, earnings, work history and many more.
2. Scheduled member injury - (hand, arm, leg, foot, fingers, toes, eye, etc.) if your injury is limited to one of these conditions and you do not qualify for the Iowa Second Injury Fund explained below, then your impairment rating may be the only factor, but keep in mind that you have the right to a second opinion under Iowa Code Section 85.39.
3. Second Injury Fund - (2 scheduled member injuries) if prior to your work injury at issue you previously sustained a scheduled member injury to your hand, arm, foot, leg or eye (even if the first injury was not work related) then you may be entitled to receive significantly more compensation paid by the Iowa Second Injury Fund.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and if you have a question about what type of claim you have and if you should receive more than just the impairment rating, please contact us online or give us a call now at (641) 792-3595 and ask to speak with one of our attorneys. If one of our workers' comp attorneys is not available, just ask to schedule a no-cost work injury evaluation either in person or by phone. Also, you should request a copy of our Iowa Workers' Compensation book which reveals the Injured Workers Bill of Rights and how you can avoid making costly mistakes and much more.