Workers' Compensation

Have you been injured on the job? Are you having trouble getting your employer to pay for medical care for this work injury?

Hoefer Law firm specializes in Workers' Compensation cases.  We advise our clients, inform them of their rights and responsibilities, and represent them.

Quick Facts About Workers' Compensation Laws:

• Designed to allow injured employees a fixed amount of compensation without suing their employer.
• Create a "safety net" for employees injured at work or because of their job.
• Generally, fault is not an issue, whether the injury is caused by the employee, the employer or a co-worker.

Advice for Injured Workers Filing Workers' Compensation Claims:

• Report injury to employer (in writing if possible)
• If you are off work more than 3 days and do not receive any weekly benefits; or if your employer does not pay your medical expenses, contact a workers' compensation attorney or the Iowa Workforce Development Workers' Compensation Commissioner's office as soon as possible.
• Keep the receipts for all bills related to medical treatment, supplies and prescriptions.
• Keep the receipts for cash transactions related to health care expenses.
• Keep anything in writing from the employer's representative, the adjuster or the insurance company.

Who is covered?

Most employees injured while working in Iowa are eligible for benefits if they have been hurt on the job.

Injuries Covered by Workers' Compensation:

• On-the-job injuries
  Caused by or occurring at company's facilities
  Example: Job site, break room
• Injuries occurring at work-sponsored event
  Example: Company picnic
• Injuries caused by repetitive activities you perform in your job
  Example: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by your work

Types of Exposure Considered a Work Injury:

• Chemicals from normal working conditions.
  
  • Example: lung cancer caused by exposure to toxins at work.
• Noise
  
  • Example: hearing loss/tinnitus
• Mental Conditions
  
  • Caused by extraordinary work-related stress.
• Mental illness such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression that results from a work injury.

Employer Obligations

• Weekly benefits while off work.
• Medical benefits related to injury.
• Reimbursement for mileage to and from medical appointments.
• Additional benefits for lost earnings for permanent injuries.

Know the Law:

The Iowa Supreme Court has declared any retaliation by an employer against an employee for making a workers' compensation claim is against the law.