Iowa Workers Compensation: What Every Employee Needs to Know

In today’s fast-paced world, workplace injuries are an all too common occurrence. In Iowa, workers compensation laws protect employees who suffer from injuries or illnesses resulting from their job. It is important for every worker to understand their rights and responsibilities under the Iowa workers compensation system.

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers compensation is a system designed to provide financial compensation to employees who sustain injuries or illnesses arising from their employment. In Iowa, this system is governed by the Iowa Workers Compensation Act. The system gives workers several rights, including the right to medical care, wage replacement, and disability benefits.

Workers Compensation Benefits

A worker who is injured on the job and needs medical care will receive the same benefits and compensation as anyone else who is entitled to it. The costs of these benefits are paid by the employer. To qualify for these benefits, an employee must satisfy some criteria.

Eligibility for Benefits

To be eligible for workers compensation benefits in Iowa, a worker must meet the following criteria:

– The worker must be an employee of the employer.
– The injury or illness must arise out of and in the course of employment.
– The injury or illness must result in disability or death.

Types of Injuries Covered

Injuries that are covered under the workers compensation system can range from minor sprains and strains to serious injuries and illnesses. The following are some examples of injuries or conditions that are covered under the Iowa law:

– Broken bones
– Back injuries
– Repetitive motion injuries
– Burns
– Carpal tunnel syndrome
– Hearing loss
– Occupational illnesses

If an employee is injured on the job and needs medical attention, they must report the injury to their employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention. The employer is then responsible for filing a workers compensation claim with their insurance company.

Benefits Available

Iowa workers compensation provides several benefits to workers who are injured or become ill due to their job, including:

– Medical Care: The employer must provide medical care to the injured employee, which includes doctor visits, hospitalization, and medication.

– Temporary Total Disability Benefits: If the injured worker is unable to work for more than 3 consecutive days, they may be entitled to temporary total disability benefits. These benefits are intended to replace a portion of the worker’s lost wages. The amount of benefits is determined by the employee’s average weekly wage.

– Permanent Partial Disability Benefits: If an employee sustains a permanent disability due to a workplace injury, they may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits. The amount of these benefits is determined by the degree of the worker’s disability and the employee’s average weekly wage.

– Permanent Total Disability Benefits: If the employee’s injury results in a total and permanent disability, then they may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits. The employee will receive these benefits until they reach the age of 67 or until they return to work.

Iowa Workers Compensation Insurance

Employers in Iowa are required to carry workers compensation insurance. If an employer fails to carry this insurance, they may be subject to fines and other penalties. In addition, if an employer is found to be negligent in their duties, such as failing to maintain a safe work environment, they may be held liable for the employee’s injuries.

Iowa Workers Compensation Claims

If an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their job, they should report the injury to their employer as soon as possible. The employer must then report the injury to their insurance company and file a workers compensation claim. The employee should also seek medical attention and follow their doctor’s instructions.

If an employee’s claim is denied or if the employee disputes the amount of benefits offered, they may file a contested case complaint with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner’s office. The Commissioner’s office will hold a hearing to resolve the dispute.

Conclusion

Iowa workers compensation provides important benefits to workers who are injured or ill due to their job. Employees who have been injured on the job should be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the workers compensation system. If an employee has been injured or becomes ill due to their job, they should report the incident to their employer immediately and seek medical attention. If an employee is concerned about the claims process or feels that they are not receiving the benefits they are entitled to, they may wish to consult with an attorney who specializes in workers compensation law.

Quick Guide to IA Workers’ Compensation Laws

Iowa Workers’ Compensation Laws

More Iowa workers’ compensation laws are located under Iowa Code chapters 85 through 87, as well as Chapter 876 of the Iowa Administrative Code.  If you want to view all IA workers’ compensation laws, visit the official website of the state legislature.  The majority of information about workers’ compensation insurance (Iowa) located in this article can be found under the Iowa Workforce Development.

If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance in Iowa, you can review if the company is self-insured under the following link that is updated as of March 5, 2012:

Who and What Injuries are covered under Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Iowa?

All injuries that qualify a worker under Iowa workers’ compensation laws must be work related, and no preexisting injury or disease (unless aggravated or worsened by the job) is covered by the insurance.  Diseases and hearing loss associated with employment activities are also covered by workers’ compensation insurance in Iowa.

Most employees who are injured in Iowa, work in the state, and who are normally employed in Iowa are normally qualified to receive compensation for their medical treatment and rehabilitation services according to IA workers’ compensation laws.  Some employees are not typically covered by workers’ compensation insurance in Iowa, and these employees usually include independent contractors, LLC members, and partners.

However, those employees listed above may qualify for insurance under Iowa workers’ compensation laws if they purchase an insurance policy specifically for the proprietor or partner.

Does my employer choose the medical care under IA Workers’ Compensation Laws?

Under Iowa workers’ compensation laws, the employer is allowed to choose the medical care for an employee.  If there is a disagreement concerning the care, the employee may be able to request alternate care through the employer’s discretion or apply to the workers’ compensation commissioner for alternate medical care according to IA workers’ compensation laws.

Additionally, if the employee is dissatisfied with the rating of impairment and amount of workers’ compensation in Iowa, they may be able to request a second examination from another physician under the same insurance according to IA workers’ compensation laws.

Who handles disputes under Iowa Workers’ Compensation Laws?

All claims about workers’ compensation insurance in Iowa go through the WC commissioner.  However, the state highly recommends that an employee and employer settle the dispute privately to avoid court costs and other associated fees.  Before contacting an attorney or filing a claim, any dissatisfied employee is also encouraged to contact a compliance administrator under the WC commissioner’s office.

Types of Benefits offered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Iowa)

Under state code 85.27, an employee is covered for all medical expenses and 50 cents per mile for traveling associated with medical treatment and rehabilitation.  Also, Iowa workers’ compensation laws cover up to 80% of the employee’s weekly spendable earnings (the total amount of earnings after taxes).

If an employee can still do some work but at a decreased rate than before, their weekly compensation will be adjusted for the difference according to IA workers’ compensation laws.  There are also numerous types of disability one can receive under Iowa workers’ compensation laws.