Coralville Workers Compensation Attorneys

When workplace injuries happen, navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming. That's where our Coralville workers' compensation attorneys come in. Whether you were injured at U of I Hospitals, Public Works, or Coralville Schools, our dedicated experts will advocate for injured workers' rights, ensuring fair treatment and proper compensation.

Navigating the complexities of workers' compensation can be challenging and fraught with potential pitfalls. Understanding your rights and knowing how to avoid common mistakes is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides insights into Iowa workers' compensation benefits, tax implications, potential issues with payments, and the nuances of permanent partial disability.

Are My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Taxable?

Generally, Iowa workers' compensation benefits are not taxable. You should not receive a 1099 or W-2 form requiring you to report this income on your tax returns. If your tax preparer advises you to report it as income, consider finding a new tax preparer. 

However, there are limited exceptions. Occasionally, a workers' compensation insurance company might send a 1099 form for interest or penalties paid on benefits. If you receive any tax documents from the workers' compensation insurance company, take them to your tax preparer to determine if they need to be included in your income tax return. This situation is uncommon, and most injured workers do not pay taxes on their workers' compensation benefits.

Can Workers’ Comp Stop Payments Without Giving Me Notice?

Yes, the workers' compensation insurance company can stop paying your weekly checks without notice, similar to how you might stop paying bills you owe. While Iowa law requires the insurance company to provide a 30-day notice under certain circumstances, known as an Auxier notice, this is not always followed in practice.

What Can You Do If Payments Stop?

1. Contact the Insurance Adjuster: If you are not represented by an attorney, call the insurance adjuster to find out why you have not received your check. Sometimes, delays occur due to federal holidays or administrative errors. 
2. Document Everything: Keep copies of the envelopes and checks you receive to prove the mailing dates. Insurance companies can be penalized up to 50% of the owed amount for late payments, known as penalty benefits. 
3. Consult an Attorney: If your checks have stopped or are continually late, consult an experienced Iowa workers' comp attorney to discuss your options and potential penalty benefits.

Workers' Comp Permanent Partial Disability: Scheduled vs. Unscheduled

If you suffer a permanent but not complete disability on the job, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) under Iowa’s workers' compensation law. The amount and duration of benefits depend on the injured body part.

Scheduled Member Disabilities:

The Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation uses Appendix A to determine PPD benefits for specific body parts. The table below lists the scheduled body members and corresponding eligible weeks:

- Loss of thumb: 60 weeks
- Loss of first finger: 35 weeks
- Loss of second finger: 30 weeks
- Loss of third finger: 25 weeks
- Loss of fourth finger: 20 weeks
- Loss of hand: 190 weeks
- Loss of arm: 250 weeks
- Loss of great toe: 40 weeks
- Loss of any other toe: 15 weeks
- Loss of foot: 150 weeks
- Loss of leg: 220 weeks
- Loss of eye: 140 weeks
- Loss of hearing in one ear: 50 weeks
- Loss of hearing in both ears: 175 weeks
- Permanent disfigurement, face or head: 150 weeks
- Body as a whole/industrial disability: 500 weeks

If you lose complete function of a body part listed above, you will receive benefits for the entire duration. For partial loss, e.g., 50% of arm function, you receive benefits for half the allotted time, or 125 weeks.

Unscheduled Disabilities:

Unscheduled losses include injuries affecting multiple body parts or the body as a whole, such as back injuries, head trauma, or psychological conditions. PPD benefits for unscheduled disabilities are calculated based on the degree to which the disability affects your earning capacity. Factors considered include:

- Impact on earnings
- Medical history
- Duration of healing period
- Work experience prior to the injury
- Potential for rehabilitation
- Qualifications, including intellectual, educational, emotional, physical, age, and motivation
- Degree of functional impairment
- Lost earnings due to job changes necessitated by the injury
- Inability to perform suitable work

Because there is no specific protocol for using these factors, there is a degree of discretion on the insurer's part. If you believe your rating is unfair, contact a disability attorney.

Challenging Your Disability Rating:

If your workers' comp claim is denied or you receive a lower rating than expected, your attorney can guide you through negotiations and the appeals process. Your lawyer may work out an agreement with your employer or insurer to obtain a fair rating and benefits.

Getting Legal Assistance In Coralville

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 Coralville 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.