If you are a worker in Iowa, you’re entitled to benefits from workers’ compensation if you are injured on the job-no matter who is at fault. You can also receive benefits from injuries due to work-related activities not on the actual job site. Benefits include:
Coverage of medical expenses, including transportation to get medical treatment
Temporary disability benefits. These are weekly payments made while you are completely or even partially off work.
Permanent disability payments for when you have suffered a permanent disability.
You must act quickly to claim benefits under workers compensation law. When you are injured give your employer written notice immediately. The “90-day rule” says unless the employer is informed of the injury within 90 days from the date of the injury, you won’t be able to make a claim.
Claim procedures can be complicated, and the law is different in each state. The insurance companies who pay benefits often try to limit benefits even when a worker is entitled to them. Because of this you may want to discuss your situation with a workers’ compensation attorney. These professionals know the law pertaining to your state, so if you need help with Workers Compensation in Cedar Rapids, IA, seek a local attorney.
Here are some important facts about workers’ compensation:
There is a wide range of problems covered by workers’ compensation. Diseases related to your type of work, heart attacks, and stress related psychological conditions are all included. Other types of injury such as burns, neck and back injuries are covered, and this list is far from complete.
You should know that your benefits won’t necessarily stop if you return to work. You can receive lifetime medical benefits for an injury unless you choose to waive them. If your injury results in a disability you may get benefits even for partial disability.
You might qualify for benefits if you need retraining.
If death results from a work related injury, a worker’s dependents are entitled to benefits.
It can be extremely stressful to deal with insurance companies when you’re injured. If you talk with an attorney early in the process you’ll have help every step of the way. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will handle any difficulties and ensure that you are getting the all the benefits due to you.
