North Liberty Workers Compensation Attorneys

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

Can You Work With a Bulging Disc?

Bulging and herniated discs are common spinal issues. Not everyone with a bulging disc experiences pain; some people remain asymptomatic. An MRI might reveal a disc problem without any symptoms. However, if the bulging disc causes pain radiating to your arms, hands, legs, or feet, it becomes a significant issue that may require medical intervention and could lead to permanent disability and impairment.

Understanding Bulging Discs

A bulging or herniated disc occurs when a spongy disc between vertebrae is damaged, breaking open or bulging out and putting pressure on the spinal nerves. This pressure can cause pain and other symptoms depending on the disc's location:

- Lower Back: Pain may spread to the buttocks, hips, or legs.
- Neck: Pain may extend to the shoulders or arms.

Common Symptoms

- Pain that spreads to other body parts
- Weakness
- Numbness

The pain often starts as mild discomfort but can worsen over time or with certain activities such as lifting, bending, walking, sitting for extended periods, standing, or during the night.

Medical Treatment for Bulging Discs

If you experience significant symptoms from a bulging disc, seek immediate medical attention. Treatments might include:

- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: To reduce swelling and pain.
- Epidural Injections: To reduce inflammation and pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like discectomy or spinal fusion might be necessary.

Epidural Injections for Back Pain

Workers who frequently engage in heavy lifting may suffer from back problems requiring epidural injections, which should be covered by workers’ compensation. If coverage issues arise, you can appeal to the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner (IWCC).

What Are Epidural Injections?

Epidural injections involve inserting a needle into the epidural space (a fat-filled area between the dura mater and the vertebra wall) and injecting corticosteroids to reduce swelling and pain. These injections treat various spinal conditions, including:

- Disc Herniations
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolysis

Patients typically receive these injections every few weeks, as determined by their doctor.

Potential Complications

- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve Damage
- Dural Punctures

Workers’ Compensation and Epidural Injections

Workers’ compensation generally covers medical expenses and disability benefits for work-related injuries. The benefits depend on the injury's severity, the ability to work, and any permanent impairment. 

Disputes and Appeals

Employers in Iowa choose the medical provider for injuries. If a doctor denies the severity of your injury or there are issues with treatment approval, you can file an appeal with the IWCC for alternative treatment.

If your condition does not improve and becomes a permanent disability, it is classified as an industrial disability. Factors influencing your permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits include:

- Injury and Impairment
- Work Restrictions
- Skills
- Education
- Work Experience

The disability rating is between 0 and 100 percent, applied to a maximum of 500 weeks of benefits. Disputes can arise if employees believe their rating is too low.

Can Workers' Compensation Stop Payments Without Notice?

Workers often question if their workers' compensation payments can be stopped without notice. The short answer is yes; the insurance company can stop payments for any reason. Iowa laws require the insurance company to provide 30 days' notice in certain circumstances, known as an Auxier notice. For instance, if you return to work and the insurance company believes all PPD benefits have been paid, they should notify you. However, in practice, payments may stop or be delayed without notice.

What Can You Do?

If you haven't received your check, contact the insurance adjuster to determine the cause. It could be a mailing delay or an oversight by the adjuster. Keep copies of envelopes and checks to prove mailing dates, as insurance companies might claim checks were mailed earlier than they were. If checks are late, you may be entitled to penalty benefits, up to 50% of the amount owed. Consult an experienced Iowa workers' comp attorney if payments have stopped or are consistently late.

Getting Legal Assistance In North Liberty

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 North Liberty 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.