Workers Compensation in Cedar Rapids, IA
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Iowa state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Cedar Rapids, Iowa workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics In Cedar Rapids, Iowa?
The Iowa Division of Labor surveys and stores injury information in order to better prevent workplace mishaps and accidents. Some of the most common injuries to befall Cedar Rapids workers are repetitive stress injuries falls due to slips and trips, and injuries to the knees, ankles, and lower back. If you have been injured at work or developed a work-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Does Workers Comp Work In Cedar Rapids, Iowa?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
Iowa Code demands that most employers are required to carry worker’s compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, members of a limited liability corporation, and partners in a partnership are all exempt from this statute. Certain federal employees may also be exempt. Cedar Rapids Workers’ Compensation provides benefits in the form of medical treatment, secondary injury payments, and vocational retraining. In addition, you can also receive a weekly benefit of up to 66% of your weekly working wage.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Cedar Rapids, Iowa are critical for the purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Cedar Rapids, Iowa healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Iowa Workplace Fairness states the timeline of filing for workers’ compensation if you desire to receive the full benefits owed you. If you are injured or develop symptoms of a work-related illness you should notify your employer immediately. Next, seek medical treatment as soon as it is possible. Taking these actions in a timely manner will establish a more concrete timeline, in case any disputes that may arise. It is also wise to obtain 2 copies of the doctor’s report after your medical treatment. 1 copy for your employer, and 1 copy for you.
Timeline and Other Information
It’s important to remember that if your situation is an emergency you should go to the nearest hospital. After a Cedar Rapids employer reports your injury to the Workers’ Compensation Board, they will designate a doctor for medical treatment. Once your claim receives approval, you will begin receiving a check for lost wages after you have been absent from work for 21 days. You are eligible to receive permanent disability benefits in Cedar Rapids for a maximum of 250 weeks.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Cedar Rapids, Iowa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or on your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Cedar Rapidsworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Cedar Rapids, Iowa
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Cedar Rapids, Iowa you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
