Workers’ Compensation

Each State has its own system for determining whether a condition is work-related, what treatment and medication are available, and for awarding compensation for work injuries. Iowa has a collection of agency decisions and Court opinions from the Iowa Supreme Court and the Iowa Court of Appeals, interpreting the Iowa workers’ compensation statutes. An attorney who is experienced in Iowa workers’ compensation law can be important, from the time of the injury to the time of a hearing or settlement. Issues include work-related injuries, notice to the employer of the injury, the weekly rate of compensation, impairment ratings, Independent Medical Examinations, whether to file a Petition for Arbitration requesting a hearing before a Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner and settlements, among others.

Employers have insurance companies or claims administrators who are trained in handling workers’ compensation claims. Some adjustors are well-trained, while others may not handle your injury, treatment or compensation according to Iowa law. You should consult an attorney who is very knowledgeable in the Iowa statutes, as well as agency and Court decisions interpreting the Iowa workers’ compensation law. Selection of an attorney is an important decision, and should be made on the basis of the attorney’s training, experience,  leadership in groups specific to that area of the law, and reputation among past clients.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is governed by the Social Security Act, but it is defined by multiple sets of regulations, such as the Listings of Impairments, the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, as well as interpretive rulings and memoranda.  Although many people think that they will win just because they have a certain diagnosis, that is almost never true. A doctor’s opinion that you can’t work, with no specifics, or a vague opinion that says that you can’t stand, sit or walk for long periods or lift much weight will not be given any serious consideration. In order for your claim to be given fair consideration, it is necessary to have a doctor’s opinion, which outlines specifically how long you can stand, walk and sit at one time, as well as how long you can sit in an eight-hour day and how long you can be on your feet in an eight-hour day. That should not reflect your abilities on an good day, but what you can do on Monday, and again on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If you need to lie down during the day, a specific opinion on how long you need to lie down, and how many times is important. The same is true if you need to elevate your legs, as well as specific information whether you can use a footstool, or if you feet need to be at waist or heart level. There is much more information on this site concerning the specifics of a claim for Social Security Disability, but an attorney who is well-versed in the requirements and the hearing process is almost always essential.