Workers Compensation in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Des Moines, Iowa?
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that Des Moines, IA had 335,800 people in the labor force in November 2020. A majority of locals work in transportation or professional services. Unfortunately for them, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 5.6 out of every 100 suffered an injury or illness while at work. A Burden of Injury in Iowa report from the University of Iowa suggests most of these injuries were due to falls.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Des Moines, 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.
Some exemptions do apply, but most employers in Des Moines, IA must have workers’ compensation. If you have questions, the details matter, so it’s best to contact a Workers’ Compensation Compliance Administrator. Assuming that your employer doesn’t contest the claim, you will receive 66% of your average compensation for the last year in weekly payments. You can also take advantage of vocational rehabilitation training, second injury benefits, and medical care for your illness or injury.
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 Des Moines, IA are critical for 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 Des Moines, IA 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.
Des Moines, IA locals who discover that they suffer from job-related symptoms have two years to take action. After a doctor has given his or her opinion, present that information to your employer. Organizations in Iowa have to file a First Report of Injury with the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation within four days of your notice. The least amount for weekly wage loss benefits is $239, but the state will take your salary for the last year into consideration. The most anyone can receive in weekly compensation is 200% of the state’s average weekly wage.
Timeline and Other Information
If your employer doesn’t challenge your workers’ compensation claim, payments and benefits will start on your fourth day off work. If your illness or injury lasts longer than two weeks, you will receive reimbursement for the three-day waiting period. The time that you can be on temporary disability depends on your healing period. If you believe your injuries will persist, permanent benefits are either scheduled or unscheduled. Scheduled injuries have an established number of preset weeks, while unscheduled harm to your body depends on your case.
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 Des Moines, Iowa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Des Moines, Iowa, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Des Moines workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Des Moines, Iowa
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Des Moines, IA 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!
