Clinton Workers Compensation Attorneys

When workplace injuries occur, navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming. That's where our Clinton workers' compensation attorneys come in. Whether you were injured at ADM, Clinton Schools, MercyOne, LyondellBasell, Public Works, or Carstens, our dedicated experts will advocate for injured workers' rights, ensuring fair treatment and proper compensation.

What do other Iowans say about our book?

"Read-Read-Read!! The book does help you understand that you do have rights and help is available." - Judith of Des Moines, Iowa

"If you get hurt at work read this book. It gives you enough insight to maybe even handle your own case and provides enough wisdom to tell you when to get legal help." - Todd of Sioux City, Iowa

Why offer you a book at no cost? Our attorneys have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and have seen far too many clients make mistakes before they had the "right" information, resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Most attorneys require you to make an appointment to get some of the information we provide to you in our Iowa Work Injury book.

When you receive your book, you will also receive reports from real past clients and attorneys giving you their opinions about us, and more. Don't miss out on all the valuable information about how to protect yourself after an injury.

Our Guarantee to You: We are so confident that our book will help educate you that if you have been hurt at work and do not learn at least one thing, let us know and we will donate $1,000 to your charity of choice.

What Happens When Workers' Comp Payments Stop?

There are several reasons why your workers' comp payments may stop, but what should you do when they do?

1. Check If You’ve Received All Payments Owed:
   Determine if you have been paid all the payments that you are owed. If you were off work for eight weeks and have made a full recovery, you are likely owed the eight weeks of workers' compensation. However, if you were paid while off work but have a permanent injury, you are probably owed additional benefits. The amount of payments owed is detailed in our Iowa Workers' Compensation Book, offered at no cost to injured Iowans to help avoid costly mistakes.

2. Consider Filing for Unemployment:
   If you are not working, consider filing for unemployment benefits. Note that you cannot receive TTD (temporary total disability) payments and unemployment simultaneously, but you can receive PPD (permanent partial disability) payments and unemployment at the same time. If you file for unemployment and are denied, speak with a workers' compensation attorney who can also help with your unemployment claim. If you have permanent injuries and are still working, consult with an experienced Iowa workers' compensation attorney to determine additional benefits you may be owed.

3. Don’t Rush into a Settlement:
   Avoid rushing into a settlement with the insurance company without understanding the true value of your case. The insurance company often wants a "closed" file, meaning no more medical care and no more workers' compensation benefits even if you are terminated due to your injuries. Keep in mind that receiving a check for TTD or PPD generally extends the statute of limitations to three years from the last payment date. However, exceptions exist, and it’s crucial to contact a lawyer well before the deadline to avoid missing out on your case.

Reasons Workers' Comp Payments May Stop

Several reasons can cause your workers' comp payments to stop:

1. Paid TTD Payments and Return to Work:
   You have been paid your TTD payments and are back to work.

2. Awaiting Functional Impairment Rating:
   You are back to work waiting on the results of your functional impairment rating from your workers' compensation doctor. As of July 1, 2017, the law allows delaying your impairment rating payments until you reach MMI (maximum medical improvement) and are given an impairment rating.

3. Claim Denied:
   Your claim might be denied, possibly after an IME (independent medical examiner) report states your condition is not work-related. Sometimes, only your records are sent to a doctor who claims your injuries are pre-existing without examining you.

4. Paid TTD and Functional Impairment Rating in Full:
   Even if the insurance company pays out what their doctor says your rating is, you have the right under Iowa Code 85.39 to have your own IME at the insurance company’s cost. However, this often only covers a small part of the examination cost, and it’s advisable to use a board-certified occupational health physician.

5. Auxier Notice:
   The insurance company might send you an Auxier notice, terminating payments when you return to work or after a 30-day notice stating the reason for termination and advising you of your right to file a claim with the workers' compensation commissioner.

How to Check Workers' Compensation Claim Status in Iowa

To check the status of your workers' compensation claim in Iowa, contact your attorney, who will communicate with the workers' compensation insurer, your employer, or the Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation. If you don’t have an attorney, contact the workers' compensation insurance company handling your claim or the Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation at 1000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0209. Phone: 515-281-5387 or (800) JOB-IOWA.

Settling a workers' compensation case can take weeks or months, particularly if there are disputes over your entitlement to benefits. If there’s a dispute over whether your injury is work-related or the degree of impairment, it may require an independent medical exam or other steps, potentially lengthening the settlement process.

Issues with Attorney Communication

Your attorney should maintain open communication about your case. If you have difficulty getting updates, consider seeking new representation. Ensure you understand how your attorney’s office handles communication, including regular updates via phone, email, etc.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

1. Reporting Your Work Injury:
   Report your work injury to your employer immediately and in writing. Keep a copy of the report.

2. Be Ready and Willing to Work:
   If released to work with restrictions, notify your employer and follow these restrictions to avoid losing benefits.

3. Continue Medical Treatment:
   Follow through with medical treatments as recommended by your doctor, even if there are delays in approval.

4. Follow Doctor’s Orders:
   Adhere to your doctor’s restrictions at work and home. Insurance companies may conduct surveillance, and violating restrictions can damage your case.

5. Work Within Restrictions:
   Don’t work outside your medical restrictions. Keep a copy of your work restrictions handy.

6. Avoid Discussing Retirement:
   Discussions about retirement can be used to reduce your compensation. Be cautious and consult with an attorney.

Getting Legal Assistance In Clinton

Navigating the complexities of Iowa workers' compensation laws can be daunting, especially during the recovery process from a workplace injury. Seeking guidance from a seasoned Clinton Workers' Comp attorney is invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal professionals play a pivotal role in gathering evidence, preparing documentation, and advocating for your interests throughout the claims process. Don't risk missing out on the compensation you deserve – enlist the support of a qualified attorney to navigate the complexities with confidence.

The Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your work injury claim from the get-go. That's why we provide this FREE book; Iowa Workers' Compensation - An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa work injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation - 641-792-3595.