Tag: iowa workers compensation law

Steps to Take If You Are Injured at Work

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If you have suffered an injury while at your place of employment, it can sometimes be a confusing process to assess your situation and find out what to do next. Here are some tips for what to do when injured on the job.

Report the Injury and See a Doctor

Once you have been injured, there are essential tasks you must take care of before anything else. It is imperative to report your injury to your supervisor. This is vital, especially to prove that the injury took place while on the job. After you file a report with your workplace, consult a physician regarding the issue. Make sure that you request worker’s compensation insurance instead of your medical insurance.

Increase Your Knowledge of Worker’s Compensation

Filing a claim for worker’s compensation can come with many unforeseen legal issues. Many online resources exist to learn more about the process of receiving compensation for your workplace injury. The laws surrounding worker’s compensation vary from state to state. For instance, if you reside in the state of Iowa, searching for provides tools and information for Iowan plaintiffs. Becoming educated on the process is extremely important.

Research Additional Benefits

While you may be waiting for your worker’s compensation claim to be accepted, it can be beneficial to find out about other ways to receive income, especially if your injury is preventing you from working. You may be able to utilize disability benefits through the Family and Marriage Leave Act. Its primary purpose is to prevent employers from terminating your employment while you are unable to work. Another course of action is to apply for short term disability insurance to supplement your income as well.

With a plan outlined for worker’s compensation, you will not have to worry as much if you are injured while at your job.

How to Deal With Workplace Injuries

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How to Deal With Workplace Injuries

No doubt you have seen a commercial on television for workplace injury lawyers and have questioned the validity of ever needing their services. After all, was written specifically to address illness, injury, occupation-related disease, or hearing loss that occurred because of an employment situation. In spite of the legal requirements for companies to provide and honor their employee benefits, there may be situations where your employer is less than helpful and accommodating in the aftermath of an incident. Knowing how to respond after an injury and knowing your rights is one way to assure your case will be handled appropriately.

Don’t Delay Your Reporting

If an accident or injury occurs while you are on the job, don’t wait to report it. Forget about hoping that the pain goes away or that it was a minor incident. By failing to report the incident to a supervisor as soon as it happens can jeopardize your credibility and the case for workers compensation pay.

Follow the Recommendations of a Doctor

Your employer should provide you with a list of physicians and care facilities that fall under the insurance network or their compensation plan arrangement, but the ultimate decision is really left up to state law. Some laws allow you to choose the doctor, while others require use of the network or company selected physician. Either way, always follow the instructions and restrictions set forth by the doctor. Provide your company with the appropriate documentation, and keep them informed.

Get Back to Work

After your treatment plan, your physician will advise you when it is safe to return to work and with any restrictions. Follow these orders, but request to return to work as soon as possible. Refusing a light duty assignment or other temporary placement will jeopardize your claim, as it may look like you are unwilling to fulfill your doctor’s orders and legal obligations to the company.

Depending on your scenario, you may not need the help of a good lawyer to navigate a workers’ comp claim. However, already knowing your responsibilities and proper procedures can make the process easier.