Des Moines Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Assert Your Rights

Effective representation for injured workers throughout Iowa

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 attorney at Hope Law Firm, PLC 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.

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 percent 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 percent of your spendable weekly earnings up to 200 percent 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 percent 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 percent of your spendable weekly earnings up to 200 percent 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 percent of your spendable weekly earnings up to 184 percent 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 percent of your spendable weekly earnings up to 200 percent 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 percent of the worker’s spendable weekly earnings up to 200 percent of the statewide average of weekly wages.

If you are eligible for any of these benefits but an insurer has denied your claim, our worker’s comp 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 percent of your lost earnings as well as pain and suffering damages. As accomplished personal injury attorneys, we are well positioned to represent you in a third-party lawsuit.

Contact a trusted West Des Moines law firm for your workers’ compensation claim

When your workers’ comp claim is denied, Hope Law Firm, PLC provides the capable representation you need to obtain the benefits you deserve. Our attorneys have the skill and experience to manage your workers’ compensation appeal to a successful conclusion. To schedule a free consultation, call or contact us online.