Employees have a limited amount of time to report a work injury. Further, injured workers cannot sue their employers. Employers have workers’ compensation insurance to handle claims. If you are confused, talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer in Des Moines, IA.
Injury Procedure for Employees
Injured workers have 90-days to report an injury to be compensated. Of course, the injury must have taken place in the course of employment. Further, the insurer does not pay for injuries caused by the worker.
For example, a worker who starts a fight and gets injured will not be compensated. Also, workers may be drug-tested to determine if they were intoxicated. Talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer in Des Moines, IA if you are denied benefits for any reason.
Wage Benefits
Employees should not have to lose their home because they are injured. That’s why the law requires the insurer to pay wage benefits. Workers who are disabled for three or more days should receive a weekly check equal to 80% of their average wage.
Further, employees who return to work in a lesser-paying job are entitled to benefits. The law requires the insurer to pay a portion of the difference in salaries.
Medical Benefits
The insurer must pay for all necessary medical treatment related to the injury. This includes diagnostic tests, office visits and procedures. Further, workers must receive mileage reimbursement for medical-related trips. The compensation rate is 53.5 cents a mile and includes trips to pick-up prescriptions.
Settlement Benefits
Iowans may receive one of four types of settlement. First, a full-commutation settlement pays the worker all future benefits in a lump sum. On the other hand, partial commutations pay partial future benefits in a lump sum. The worker will be entitled to future benefits.
An agreement for settlement occurs when everyone agrees how much the worker is owed for compensation. The state must approve the agreement and the worker’s future right to benefits does not end. A compromise settlement takes place when there is a dispute over the claim.
The parties agree to a settlement amount, and the state must approve it. This settlement ends the claimant’s right to benefits. Browse our website to find out more about the services of workers’ compensation attorneys.
