Unfortunately, many people are injured while on the job every single day. In the state of Iowa, it is required that employers carry workers’ compensation insurance and offer its benefits to workers that have suffered an injury or illness as a result of situations occurring in the workplace. There is a great deal to know about workers’ compensation in Iowa and how you can fight for your rights if your employer refuses to pay when you are injured while on the job.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available in Iowa
In Iowa, there are three different types of workers’ compensation benefits available to injured workers. Employers must provide workers with medical benefits, temporary total disability benefits or permanency benefits. These are explained in greater detail so that you know what they entail.
Medical Benefits
Employers and insurance carriers are required to allow workers who suffered an injury or illness at work with medical care. In general, the employer has the right to choose the doctor the employee sees, but additionally, the insurance company and employer are required to pay for the worker’s medical expenses. On top of that, the worker must be reimbursed for fuel used and for the use of a worker’s vehicle while traveling to any medical appointments.
If the worker is dissatisfied with the doctor that the insurance carrier has chosen, he or she can petition to see a different physician as per Code Sec. 85.27.
Wage Replacement Benefits
After an injured worker receives Iowa workers compensation, there should be payments made to replace the individual’s lost wages if he or she is out of work as a result of their injury or illness. For all weeks that the worker misses due to the injury, their employer and the insurance company are required to provide compensation that is approximately equal to the net pay the worker received prior to the injury. The amount of money is less because it isn’t subject to taxes.
In some cases, the worker can receive a lower wage that is known as temporary partial disability benefits. This typically occurs if the doctor tells the individual that they are placed under restrictions and cannot work their full hours.
Permanency Benefits
If a worker sustains a permanent injury or illness, they are entitled to permanent partial disability benefits. These benefits are given based on the severity of the permanent disability. In some instances, the dollar amount is determined based on how the injury reduces the worker’s ability to earn money throughout the rest of their life. Additionally, the amount of permanency benefits paid out is determined on which part of the body was injured.
In some cases, the insurance carrier, or even your employer, may not want to give you the amount of workers’ compensation you are due. In that situation, it’s important to have the right attorney on your side, fighting for your rights. The Law Offices of James P. Hoffman have many years of experience in the area of workers’ compensation in the state of Iowa. Contact an attorney at your earliest convenience.
