Workers’ compensation law is straightforward—in theory. You are an employee who has been hurt in a work-related incident, and you are entitled to medical care and weekly benefits because of your injury.
However, like most insurance claims, getting the benefits to which you are entitled is rarely that straightforward. Instead, you may need to negotiate a fair recovery with your employer’s insurer. You don’t have to handle these important negotiations on your own. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers would be pleased to help you get the insurance benefits that you deserve.
But First, Here Are Some Tips
You may have questions about how to protect your recovery right now. Below are six tips that may be useful for you. You should understand:
- Iowa workers’ compensation law. Iowa workers’ compensation laws are found in the state statutes, chapters 85, 85A, 85B, 86 and 87. These statutes include important information for workers who are hurt in work-related accidents in Iowa.
- How to get medical care. You must provide your employer with notice that you have been hurt in a work-related incident. After that, your employer should choose a medical provider for you. That medical provider must be reasonably suited to treat your injury or illness.
- How to deal with workers’ compensation insurance adjusters. Insurance adjusters want to pay you as little as possible so that they can maximize the profits for their employers. It is important to be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters and, if you are represented by a workers’ comp lawyer, to let your lawyer handle all communication with the adjusters.
- What not to do after a work-related incident. Some mistakes can significantly impact your ability to get the benefits that you deserve. Accordingly, it is important to be aware of these potential mistakes so that you can avoid them.
- Whether you need an independent medical exam. You, your attorney, your employer, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer, or the state may request an independent medical examination in certain circumstances. It is important to know when to comply with such a request and when to make such a request so that you can protect your benefits.
- When to return to work. You should return to work once you receive medical clearance to do so. However, you should abide by any restrictions suggested by medical professionals and you should promptly report any pain or side effects to you doctor if you believe that work is causing you pain or further injury.
It can be difficult to make the right decisions to protect your workers’ compensation benefits when you are in pain, but you don’t have to handle this all on your own. Instead, you have the right to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer and to have an experienced lawyer help you get the full and fair benefits that you deserve. To learn more, please contact us directly via this website or by phone for a free consultation.
