Waukee Workers Compensation Attorneys

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

Impairment Ratings and Workers' Compensation in Iowa

Workers' compensation is a crucial system that supports employees who sustain injuries while on the job, ensuring they receive necessary medical treatment and financial compensation. One key element in this process is the determination of impairment ratings, which assess the severity of an employee's injury and play a significant role in determining the amount of compensation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of impairment ratings, addresses concerns about payment stoppages, and explains how physician releases can impact workers' compensation benefits.

Definition and Purpose

An impairment rating quantifies the extent to which an injury affects an individual's ability to function as they did before the injury. Specifically, it measures the loss of use of bones, muscles, joints, limbs, ligaments, tendons, or the ability to control the spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerves.

Determination Process

Impairment ratings are assessed by medical professionals using the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. The doctor conducts various medical tests and procedures to evaluate the level of ability lost and considers the patient's medical condition prior to the injury. Factors such as personal hygiene, communication, physical activity, sexual activity, sensory function, travel, and sleep, collectively known as activities of daily living (ADL), are also taken into account.

The doctor evaluates how the impairment affects job functions, which can significantly influence the rating. For instance, a 30% impairment might severely impact a carpenter's ability to work but may have a lesser effect on someone with a sedentary job.

Recording and Documentation

During the evaluation, the doctor records a detailed medical history, performs a physical examination, checks vital signs, and asks about any ADL issues. The doctor also reviews medications and may refer the patient to specialists for chronic injuries.

Can Workers' Compensation Stop Payments Without Notice?

A common concern among injured workers is whether their workers' compensation payments can be stopped without notice. The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Workers' compensation insurance companies can stop payments for various reasons, sometimes without providing prior notice, although Iowa law requires a 30-day notice in specific situations.

If your payments stop unexpectedly, contact the insurance adjuster to determine the reason. Sometimes, delays can occur due to mailing issues or simple administrative errors. Keeping copies of all correspondence and checks can help prove when payments were actually made, which is crucial if there are disputes.

In cases of unjustified stoppages or delays, consulting an experienced Iowa workers' compensation attorney is advisable. The law allows for penalty benefits of up to 50% of the owed amount for late payments, which insurance companies do not typically volunteer. An attorney can help ensure you receive these penalties if applicable.

Physician Releases and Their Impact on Benefits

The release of an injured worker by a physician can lead to various outcomes regarding workers' compensation benefits. The specifics depend on the type of release and the worker's condition.

Designated as Healed

When a doctor releases an employee as healed, it generally means the injury or illness has resolved sufficiently for the worker to return to their regular duties. In such cases, workers' compensation payments typically stop.

Job Restrictions

If the doctor releases the employee with job restrictions, the worker may return to modified duties or fewer hours. Workers' compensation payments should continue during this period if the treatment is ongoing. Failure to adhere to these restrictions can jeopardize the benefits.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

A worker may be deemed to have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) when their condition has plateaued, and further recovery is unlikely. Even after reaching MMI, ongoing treatment might be necessary. Benefits like temporary total disability (TTD) may transition to temporary partial disability (TPD) if the worker earns a lower wage post-injury. TPD benefits are calculated as two-thirds of the difference between pre-injury wages and reduced wages.

Permanent Disability

If a worker has a permanent impairment, they may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. PPD benefits apply when the worker can still perform some job functions despite the impairment. PTD benefits are for those who cannot return to any work due to their injury.

Getting Legal Assistance In Waukee

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 Waukee 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.