Last Updated: 5/4/2023

Hernia injuries are fairly common in Iowa for workers who do daily lifting as part of their job.  Hernias can occur while lifting heavy items or doing other work related duties.  They most commonly happen in the abdomen, but can also appear in the upper thighs, belly button and groin areas.  Inguinal hernias are the most common and occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall. 

Will I Know if I Have a Hernia?

Sometimes an injured worker will immediately feel a pop in their abdomen while lifting something heavy at work and have a bulge in the area.  Other times, a person will notice a bulging in their abdomen over time.  It is important that if you suspect that you have a hernia caused by your work activities that you report your condition to your employer and request medical care.  Sometimes a hernia is found through a routine physical examination and if the injured worker does heavy lifting as part of his/her job it may be considered work-related. 

How is a Hernia Treated?

Often hernia injuries require surgery where a mesh is placed over the affected area and usually this will fix the problem.  Many times the injured worker will be able to resume normal activities within a few months of the surgery.  However, there is a percentage of hernia injuries that recur and require additional treatment and surgeries.  If a hernia is too large to repair or recurs, then often the injured worker will be given permanent work restrictions in order to avoid further injury.  If your hernia injury is considered permanent, then you may be entitled to receive permanent workers' compensation benefits in the form of PPD (permanent partial disability).  This will depend upon a number of factors including your impairment rating, permanent work restrictions, age, education, earnings, etc. 

If you would like to learn more about Iowa workman compensation laws and how a hernia injury is treated, request a copy of the new book “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries” which includes the Iowa Injured Workers' Bills of RightsTM and much, much more. . . .   If you need immediate assistance for your hernia or other work injury call our office now at (641) 792-3595 and ask to speak with one of our experienced workers' compensation attorneys.  If our work injury lawyers are not immediately available, then schedule an Iowa workers compensation case evaluation available to you and no risk or cost.   

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