If you are injured on the job or develop a work-related illness, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Iowa law requires most employers to maintain workers’ comp insurance, but claiming benefits is not always easy and straightforward.
If an insurance company denies your claim or infringes any of your rights under the law, a dedicated Des Moines workers’ compensation lawyer at Hope Law Firm can help. Since 2003, we have helped injured Iowans get the compensation they deserve. We provide aggressive and capable representation, and our experience with the workers’ comp system makes us effective advocates for your rights.
Contact us online or call (515) 298-5056 to discuss your claim during a free consultation.
Your Benefits under Iowa Workers’ Compensation Law
Iowa’s workers’ compensation law creates a no-fault insurance
system that protects workers against injuries and illness arising out
of employment and in the course of employment. Coverage begins on day
one of your employment. As long as your injury is work related, you are
protected, even if your own mistake or carelessness caused the injury.
Benefits include:
- Medical expenses — Workers’ comp pays 100% of the costs for all treatments
deemed reasonable and necessary. - Temporary Total Disability — When your injury or illness prevents you from working, this benefit
pays 80% of your spendable weekly earnings up to 200% of the statewide
average of weekly wages. The benefit ends when you return to work. - Temporary Partial Disability — If during your recuperation, you return to light duty at a lower
wage, this benefit pays 66 2/3% of the difference between your regular
weekly earnings and your earnings on light duty. - Healing Period — When you are recuperating from an injury or illness that produces
a permanent impairment, this benefit pays 80% of your spendable weekly
earnings up to 200% of the statewide average of weekly wages. This benefit
ends when you return to work or receive a medical prognosis that your
condition will not improve significantly. - Permanent Partial Disability — If your injury or illness has produced a permanent disability
but you are capable of gainful employment, this benefit pays 80% of your
spendable weekly earnings up to 184% of the statewide weekly average for
a certain number of weeks, based on the nature of the disability. For
example, a worker who loses the use of a hand receives benefits for 190 weeks. - Permanent Total Disability — If your injury has left you unable to hold gainful employment,
this benefit pays 80% of your spendable weekly earnings up to 200% of
the statewide average of weekly wages for as long as you remain disabled. - Death benefits — A surviving spouse and dependent children can receive payments
equal to 80% of the worker’s spendable weekly earnings up to 200%
of the statewide average of weekly wages.
If you are eligible for any of these benefits but an insurer has denied
your claim, our Des Moines workers' compensation attorneys are ready to
fight for your rights.
How Hope Law Firm Helps You Recover Benefits
There are many problems workers encounter when they try to file for workers’ comp.
The issues that we manage effectively for clients include:
- Employer’s failure to buy insurance
- Claim denied due to “independent contractor” status
- Claim denied as “not work related”
- Treatment denied as not “reasonable or necessary”
- Worker denied a second opinion
- Disputes over degree of disability
- Permanent disability settlements
In some cases, our attorneys uncover evidence of negligence by a third
party who caused the injury. Those circumstances can provide grounds for
a negligence lawsuit, allowing you to recover 100% of your lost earnings
as well as pain and suffering damages. As accomplished workers' comp attorneys,
we are well positioned to represent you in a third-party lawsuit.
Contact Hope Law Firm
When your workers’ comp claim is denied, Hope Law Firm provides the
capable representation you need to obtain the benefits you deserve. Our
Des Moines workers’ compensation attorneys have the skill and experience
to manage your claim and/or appeal to a successful conclusion.
Schedule a free consultation – call
(515) 298-5056 or
contact us online.
Hope Law Firm - Des Moines Office
Address: 666 Walnut St Suite 2220
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (712) 424-4673