- Grimes Workers Compensation Attorneys
- Phone: 641-792-3595
- Directions
When workplace injuries happen, navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming. That's where our Grimes workers' compensation attorneys come in. Whether you were injured at Danfoss, DCG Schools, or Public Works, our dedicated experts will advocate for your rights, ensuring fair treatment and proper compensation.
What to Expect After Settlement in an Iowa Workers' Compensation Case
Understanding the post-settlement process in an Iowa workers' compensation case can be confusing. If you sustain a serious work injury, you may receive letters and checks for your permanent partial disability based on your functional impairment rating. Many mistakenly believe this constitutes a settlement, but it is merely a required payment to avoid penalties.
Our general advice is that if you receive a check from the insurance company without having agreed to a settlement or signed paperwork, you can cash the check without agreeing that it is a settlement or that it represents all you are owed.
Formalizing a Settlement
The only way to formally settle a workers' compensation case in Iowa is by signing settlement paperwork, submitting it to the agency for approval, and having the settlement approved by the agency. Be cautious when discussing settlements over the phone with insurance adjusters; always request offers in writing for review.
Types of Settlements in Iowa Workers' Compensation Cases
1. Agreement for Settlement:
- The parties agree on a percentage of disability and the number of weeks and weekly rate for compensation.
- Payments may be in a lump sum or weekly.
- Medical benefits remain open, and the worker has three years from the last check date to bring a review-reopening action if the condition worsens or employment is lost due to the injury.
2. Agreement for Settlement with Full Commutation:
- Similar to the agreement for settlement but includes a lump-sum payment.
- Medical benefits and the right to review-reopen are forfeited.
3. Compromise Settlement:
- Often used when the worker is no longer employed with the employer.
- Covers past owed items, future medical, and weekly benefits in a lump sum.
- Can be structured to avoid or reduce Social Security offsets if the worker is on Social Security Disability.
If you sign settlement paperwork and it is approved by the Iowa Workers' Compensation agency, you should expect a settlement check within 7 to 14 business days. Typically, the funds are available after the check clears the bank, usually taking about 10 business days.
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 injury's location on your body.
Scheduled Member Disabilities
The Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation uses Appendix A to determine PPD benefits for specific body parts:
- Thumb: 60 weeks
- First Finger: 35 weeks
- Second Finger: 30 weeks
- Third Finger: 25 weeks
- Fourth Finger: 20 weeks
- Hand: 190 weeks
- Arm: 250 weeks
- Great Toe: 40 weeks
- Any Other Toe: 15 weeks
- Foot: 150 weeks
- Leg: 220 weeks
- Eye: 140 weeks
- Hearing in One Ear: 50 weeks
- Hearing in Both Ears: 175 weeks
- Permanent Disfigurement (Face or Head): 150 weeks
- Body as a Whole/Industrial Disability: 500 weeks
Full loss of a body part results in benefits for the entire duration listed. Partial loss, such as 50% use of an arm, results in benefits for half the duration (e.g., 125 weeks for an arm).
Unscheduled Disabilities
Unscheduled disabilities, affecting hips, shoulders, back, and neck, are assessed based on various factors, including:
- Impact on earnings
- Medical history
- Healing period duration
- Pre-injury work experience
- Rehabilitation potential
- Qualifications (intellectual, educational, emotional, physical, age, motivation)
- Functional impairment degree
- Earnings loss from job changes due to injury
- Inability to perform suited work
These factors are used at the insurer’s discretion, and disagreements on ratings should prompt consultation with a disability attorney.
Challenging Your Disability Rating
If your workers' comp claim is denied or you receive a lower rating than expected, an attorney can guide you through negotiations and appeals to obtain a fair rating and benefits.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Workers’ Compensation Cases
To avoid costly mistakes, educate yourself on the Iowa Injured Workers Bill of Rights and other important information. Many attorneys provide comprehensive resources, such as books, to help you understand your rights and the workers' compensation process.
Getting Legal Assistance In Grimes
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 Grimes 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.