Maquoketa Workers Compensation Attorneys

A workplace injury can upend your life without warning. One moment you are performing a routine task, and the next you are facing medical bills, missed paychecks, and a workers' compensation system that can be confusing and, at times, adversarial. In the state of Iowa, workplace injuries are far from rare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012 there were 4.5 total recordable cases of nonfatal occupational injuries per 100 full-time workers in Iowa alone. From shoulder injuries sustained during physical labor to the serious consequences of electrical accidents, workers in Maquoketa and throughout Jackson County face real and significant risks on the job every day.

Whether you have suffered a shoulder injury, developed cervical radicular pain from a work-related accident, or been injured in an electrical incident on the job, understanding your rights under Iowa workers' compensation law is the first step toward protecting yourself and your family. The attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair have been representing injured Iowa workers for over 28 years, and we are here to help.

Shoulder Injuries at Work: What You Should Do

Shoulder injuries are among the most common workplace injuries reported across all industries. Whether your injury resulted from a single lifting incident, a fall, repetitive overhead work, or a collision on the job, the steps you take immediately after the injury can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your workers' compensation claim.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Right Away

The first and most important thing to do after sustaining a shoulder injury at work is to seek medical attention. You may be treated by a first aid team at the workplace, an emergency room doctor, or another type of physician or specialist. This evaluation provides you with the care you need, a diagnosis of the specific shoulder injury, and medical documentation that will be essential when pursuing workers' compensation benefits.

Step 2: Notify Your Employer Within 90 Days

After receiving medical attention, you must notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible. Under Iowa Workers' Compensation Law Section 85.23, the law requires that your employer have notice of your injury within 90 days of the incident. The sooner you provide that notice, the better. If you fail to inform your employer within the 90-day period, you risk forfeiting your benefits entirely. Do not assume your employer already knows or that someone else has reported it on your behalf.

Step 3: Document Everything Related to the Injury

Thorough documentation from the very beginning is one of the most effective tools you have for protecting your claim. When a workplace injury occurs, keep a detailed record of the following:

• When the injury occurred
• Where on the job site or property the injury took place
• What you were doing at the time of the injury
• Why you were performing that task as part of your job duties
• All medical information you receive regarding the injury
• The conversation you had with your employer when you reported the injury
• Any other relevant information connected to the shoulder injury and its impact on your daily life

This documentation may prove to be essential in getting you the benefits you deserve when your workers' compensation claim is reviewed.

Step 4: File Your Workers' Compensation Claim

The majority of employees in Iowa are covered by workers' compensation in the event of a work-related injury, and a shoulder injury caused by employment activities is covered under that system. Your employer or work supervisor should assist you in filing a report of injury, which will then be submitted to a claims management service. If your claim is approved, benefits should begin promptly. If your claim is denied, you will receive a written notice in the mail.

A denied claim is not the end of the road. If your workers' compensation claim is denied, or if you believe the benefits you have been offered do not fully reflect what the law entitles you to receive, seek the help of a workers' compensation attorney immediately. An attorney can help you gather the documentation you need and will work to get you the full benefits you deserve.

Cervical Radicular Pain from Workplace Injuries: Causes, Treatments, and Your Rights

Workplace accidents that involve falls, heavy lifting, or sudden trauma to the neck and upper back can result in a condition known as cervical radicular pain, or radiculopathy. This is a condition in which the nerves stop working properly due to a malfunction at the root of the nerve. It can result in pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of motor control. Even though the problem originates in the spinal area, the pain is frequently felt in other parts of the body, including the arms, hands, and shoulders.

What Causes Cervical Radicular Pain?

In many cases, a herniated disc is the underlying cause of cervical radicular pain. Herniated discs are commonly the result of trauma such as a fall at work or a sudden physical impact. The material from the ruptured disc can put pressure on the nerve root, compressing it and causing intense pain. Cervical radicular pain may also result from arthritis or other forms of degenerative bone disease that develop over time, often worsened by the physical demands of manual labor or repetitive work tasks.

Traditional Treatments for Cervical Radicular Pain

Many patients begin with conservative therapies, which can include corticosteroids and pain medication, administered either by injection or orally depending on the severity of symptoms. Physical therapy is another key component of most treatment plans. This may include cervical traction, performed either mechanically or manually, along with other methods a physical therapist may use to relieve symptoms and restore function. When conservative treatment fails and the pain becomes intolerable, surgery is often the next step considered.

The Epidural Nerve Block Procedure

Before surgery is attempted, there is an intermediate treatment option known as the epidural nerve block procedure that may provide meaningful pain relief. This procedure involves the injection of a corticosteroid into the epidural space of the spine. A physician uses a fluoroscope to allow real-time X-ray imaging during the procedure, and a contrast medium is used to confirm that the needle is correctly positioned before the medication is delivered. A local anesthetic such as lidocaine is injected along with the corticosteroid. The level of pain relief achieved is then monitored over a set period of time.

This procedure is minimally invasive and may serve as an excellent alternative to surgery for many patients. Complications are generally slight and can include a low risk of infection, minor bleeding, and some discomfort around the injection site. Patients should discuss the full range of possible side effects with their physician before receiving any injection or treatment.

If your cervical radicular pain was caused by a work-related accident, this procedure and all associated costs may be compensable under your workers' compensation claim. Living with this condition is not easy. Patients may be unable to work, sleep, or participate in everyday activities they once took for granted. If your injury was caused by an accident at work, speaking with an attorney about the full range of damages available to you, including medical bills for treatments like the epidural nerve block, lost wages, and pain and suffering, is an important step toward a full and fair recovery.

Electrical Injuries at Work: A Serious and Often Overlooked Risk

Electrical injuries represent some of the most serious and life-altering injuries a worker can sustain on the job. According to statistics provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 66 workers died by electrocution in the construction industry alone in 2012. A study published in the journal Injury Prevention in 2002 identified electrocution as the fifth leading cause of occupational injury death in the United States, noting it as a particular hazard to workers whose jobs routinely bring them into close proximity to electrical sources.

How Electrical Injuries Affect the Body

Depending on the amperage of the electrical current involved, injuries from electrical accidents can range from relatively mild pain to coma or death. According to MedlinePlus, an electric current can cause injury in three primary ways:

• Cardiac arrest from the shock to the heart
• The destruction of tissue, muscles, and nerves as the current moves throughout the body
• Thermal burns from direct contact with the electrical source

Within these three categories, a wide range of symptoms can appear after an electrical accident. According to MedlinePlus, these may include heart attack, broken bones, change in consciousness, headaches, problems with vision, hearing or swallowing, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain and spasms, numbness or tingling, and seizures. Anyone involved in an electrical accident at work should seek medical treatment immediately, even if symptoms appear minor at first. Some complications do not surface until hours after the initial incident.

Which Workers Face the Highest Risk

While electricians and other electrical workers face the most consistent exposure by the nature of their work, electrical injuries occur across many industries. According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services titled "Worker Deaths By Electrocution," covering the period of 1980 to 1992, the industries with the highest percentage of electrocution deaths were:

Workers employed in any of these fields in and around Maquoketa and Jackson County should remain extremely careful when working around electrical sources and should be fully aware of their rights if an accident does occur.

Workers' Compensation Benefits After an Electrical Injury

If you suffered an electrical injury on the job, you may be entitled to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits to cover your medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and disability benefits. It is important to understand that while your employer has the right to choose your medical care provider, your employer is also responsible for covering your medical bills. If you require emergency medical treatment as a result of an electrical injury, you do not need to seek employer approval before obtaining that care.

If you must miss more than three days of work as a result of your injuries, you may be entitled to disability benefits. If you have suffered a permanent injury as the result of an electrical accident at work, you may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits. And if you lost a loved one to electrocution on the job, you may be entitled to death benefits under Iowa workers' compensation law. These are serious categories of compensation that deserve the full attention of an experienced attorney.

When Your Workers' Compensation Claim Is Denied

Iowa workers' compensation law is designed to protect those who are injured while on the job. Unfortunately, some legitimate claims are unfairly denied. If your claim has been denied or if you do not believe the benefits you have been offered fully reflect what the law entitles you to receive, you should seek the assistance of a qualified workers' compensation attorney right away. An attorney can help you gather the documentation you need, communicate with your employer and their insurance carrier, and pursue every avenue available to get you the benefits you deserve.

Do not make the mistake of accepting a denial as final without first consulting with a legal professional. Workers' compensation claims are routinely challenged, and having an experienced attorney in your corner can mean the difference between receiving fair compensation and walking away with far less than you are owed.

Getting Legal Assistance In Maquoketa

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 Maquoketa 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.

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