Photo of attorneys E. Kelly Conway, Michael E. Gehring and Stephen G. Harvey

Standing Up And Seeking Justice For The Underdog

Photo of attorneys E. Kelly Conway, Michael E. Gehring and Stephen G. Harvey

Carter Law Offices, P.C.

Standing Up And Seeking Justice For The Underdog

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Iowa Workers’ Compensation Benefits Lawyers

Attorneys at Carter Law Offices, P.C., in Des Moines have been on the side of injured workers in Iowa for many years. One of the most frequent questions we hear from a worker or family member following a workplace accident or work-related disability concerns the levels of benefits available through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider.

Types Of Benefits

Medical Care Benefits

Under Iowa workers’ compensation law, the insured worker is entitled to receive diagnosis, treatment and on-going medical care and physical rehabilitation services for all conditions directly related to the work-related injury.

The medical provider must be a qualified, licensed professional officially approved by the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commission. There may be some exceptions permitted if there is no approved medical provider in the geographic region of the injured workers’ residence.

The injured worker is allowed to change medical providers, but the new provider must also be on the approved list of providers, as well.

Disability Benefits

Pay benefits are calculated at approximately two-thirds of the amount of average weekly earnings dating back 52 weeks from the date of the workplace injury or work-related disability.

  • Temporary total disability (TTD): You will receive approximately two-thirds of your average weekly pay while you are out of work for medical reasons directly related to your accident or disability.
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD): If you are able to return to work at a reduced work capacity and reduced pay, you will receive approximately two-thirds of the reduced pay differential while you are earning less than your previous pay. For example, if you were earning $20/hour prior to your injury and have returned to work in temporary limited capacity earning $10/hour, your weekly TPD benefits will pay you approximately $6.66 for your hours worked that week.
  • Permanent partial disability (PPD): The Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commission publishes an annual schedule of disabilities and the settlement amount awarded for each disability. You have the right to negotiate a settlement amount higher than the amount offered by the insurance company (based on the published schedule). You may also qualify for job retraining to assist you in securing other employment.
  • Permanent total disability (PTD): If your injury or disability does not allow you to return to work, you have the right to negotiate a settlement amount higher than what the insurance company offers. Your settlement may be paid in installments over time or in a lump-sum payment.
  • Death benefits: The surviving spouse and surviving family members of a worker fatally injured in an accident or as the result of a work-related medical condition are also eligible to receive death benefits based on the workers’ average weekly earnings.

Contact Our Offices In Des Moines To Talk To A Lawyer

Call 515-644-4871 or 402-979-8675 or use the convenient email form to contact us about scheduling a free consultation about your Iowa workers’ compensation claim today.