Category Archives: work injury

Do I Have to Return to Work When I am Still Injured?

Under Iowa law, the employer and their insurance company select your doctor for your injury.  While some of those doctors treat workers well, many will error in the company’s favor.  The company doctor is frequently pressured by the employer, insurance … Continue reading

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What If Company Doctor Gives a Very Low Disability / Impairment Rating?

Under Iowa law, the employer and their insurance carrier have the right to select which doctors you will see during the course of care for your work-related injuries.  However, if the employer’s chosen physician provides a disability/impairment rating that you … Continue reading

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How Long Will My Workers’ Compensation Case Take?

This is a complex question.  The answer depends on many factors, including, but not limited to the following: How serious is your injury? Are you able to return to your same job? Working with same employer? Are you able to … Continue reading

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Humpty Dumpty and the World of Workers’ Compensation — an Evidence-Based Approach

The exact origins of the famous fictional character Humpty Dumpty are not precisely known. He was popularized in Lewis Carroll’s book, Alice Through the Looking Glass, where Humpty Dumpty is depicted as a round egg. Humpty is still best known … Continue reading

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What If My Workplace Injury Is Not My Employer’s Fault?

Iowa is what is known as a “no fault system.” Under this type of system, the issue is not whether the employer or you, or some combination of both, were “to blame” for your injuries. The only issues are whether … Continue reading

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I Was Injured At Work…What Do I Do Now?

If you believe you have suffered from a work-related injury or illness, the first thing you should do is report the injury to your employer.  Iowa law requires injured workers to report an on-the-job injury within 90 days of the … Continue reading

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Am I Compensated for My Pain?

You are not directly compensated for your pain in a workers’ compensation claim.  By contrast, if you sustained the same injuries in a car crash, the other driver would owe you compensation for the lifetime of pain and suffering he … Continue reading

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Keep the Envelopes

If you have an injury at work which results in lost time or in a permanent injury, you are likely entitled to some form of weekly benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Iowa law requires that when benefits … Continue reading

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Cedar Rapids Attorney Tom Wertz Gives Two Significant Presentations at Major Workers’ Compensation Seminar

Iowa lawyers are required to obtain credits for continuing legal education in order to maintain their law license.  The Iowa Association for Justice on February 9 and 10, 2012, hosted their annual major workers’ compensation seminar for attorneys.  Not only … Continue reading

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Constant Pain from a Work Injury

Chronic pain due to a work injury is one of the most difficult issues to deal with. Pain can cause a loss of employment, depression, and other very serious implications for an injured worker. Meanwhile, the workers’ compensation system does … Continue reading

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