Iowa Workers' Compensation Attorney

Hurt On the Job in Iowa? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Iowa workers’ compensation lawyers advocate tirelessly for the rights and the interests of injured workers. With experience representing the employees of many of Iowa’s largest businesses and labor unions, our team has the expertise that you can trust. If you or your loved one was hurt while on the job, we are here to help. Contact us at our Waterloo law office or our Iowa City law office for your free, completely confidential initial consultation. We are available 24/7 and we fight for the rights of injured workers throughout the State of Iowa.

Give us a call at (319) 220-0416 or submit an online contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

Word from Our Clients

What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Iowa

Hurt on the job in Iowa? Whether the incident happened in Iowa City, Waterloo, Dubuque, Des Moines, or anywhere else in the state, it is imperative that you know what to do to protect yourself—including your health, well-being, legal rights, and financial interests. Here are four key things that you should do after a suffered an on-the-job injury in Iowa: 

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Your Injuries: To start, your health is the most important thing. If you are hurt, do not wait to get professional medical support. Go to a doctor or hospital right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you still need to get yourself checked out by a physician. Not only is seeing a doctor essential for your well-being and physical recovery, it is a required part of the workers’ compensation claims process. 
2. Report Your Accident to Your Supervisor/Employer: You have a duty under Iowa’s workers’ comp laws to notify your employer that a work-related injury occurred. After you have taken care of your immediate medical needs, be sure to let your supervisor or employer know about the accident as soon as possible. Most companies have a specific process for reporting accidents. If you are a union member, your union representative can help. Failure to notify your employer in a timely manner could result in the denial of a claim.
3. Document the Incident (Record What Happened): In Iowa, workers’ comp insurance provides no-fault benefits. You do not need to prove that your employer’s negligence caused your accident to get your claim approved. That being said, you still want to have as much documentation as possible. Write down everything you remember about how the accident happened as soon as you can. Include details like where it happened, what you were doing, how it happened, and who was there. If you can, take pictures. 
4. File for Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Seeking medical care for your injuries and notifying your employer of an incident is not the same thing as filing for workers’ compensation benefits. You need to submit the paperwork to file a claim. Be sure to do so in a timely manner. There is no reason to wait to get started with the workers’ comp claims process. If you have any questions about seeking workers’ comp benefits, our Iowa attorneys are standing by, ready to help you navigate the process.

We Have Extensive Experience Handling Workers’ Comp Claims in Iowa

With more than six decades serving clients, our attorneys have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims. We are proud to work with employees of some of the largest companies in Iowa. We are also proud to serve people who are members of the top labor unions in the state. Our Iowa workers’ comp lawyers represent people working for/with/in: 

• John Deere Factories (Waterloo and Dubuque); 
• Rockwell Collins, Inc (Cedar Rapids);  
• Winnebago Industries (Forest City); 
• Tyson Fresh Meats (Waterloo); 
• Vermeer Manufacturing Co (Pella); 
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); and
• The construction industry. 

An Overview of the Most Common Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can range from minor to severe and occur in any job setting. While some professions are more prone to certain types of injuries, there are common ones that many workers across different industries might experience. These injuries can result from various factors like accidents, overuse, or unsafe working conditions. Some of the most common injuries reported at workplaces in Iowa include: 

• Lacerations; 
• Burn injuries; 
• Sprains; 
• Strains; 
• Back injuries; 
• Broken bones; 
• Concussions; 
• Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs);
• Chemical exposure illnesses;  
• Internal injuries; and
• Spinal cord damage.

The Leading Cause of Work-Related Injuries in Iowa

Job-related injuries can happen in a wide range of different ways. Every accident involves its own unique set of facts. To ensure that a worker receives the proper care and that a similar incident does not happen in the future, a comprehensive investigation of the accident is a must. Some of the leading causes of workplace injuries in Iowa include: 

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are among the most common causes of workplace injuries and can occur due to wet floors, cluttered workspaces, or uneven surfaces. 
• Overexertion: Often a result of lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, overexertion can cause injuries like muscle strains, back injuries, and/or joint damage. 
• Struck By Objects: Workers can be injured by objects falling from shelves, swinging doors, or moving machinery, leading to bruises, fractures, or more severe harm. 
• Machinery Accidents: Injuries from machinery can happen in any setting where equipment is used, often resulting from inadequate safety measures or proper lack of training. 
• Transportation Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions are consistently one of the leading causes of serious job-related injuries in Iowa. 
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Regular exposure to chemicals, dust, or other harmful substances can lead to both acute and chronic health issues. 

What to Know About Workers’ Compensation Insurance 

As explained by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing, workers’ Compensation Insurance is a mandatory program. Employers in Iowa are required to ensure that virtually all employees have no-fault insurance that will cover them in the event of a workplace accident. If you are hurt on the job in Iowa, you have the right to file for workers’ comp benefits. 

Understanding Workers’ Comp Benefits in Iowa

What type of benefits are available through workers’ compensation in Iowa? The answer depends, in part, on the specific nature of your claim. That being said, you may be entitled to seek any of the following types of workers’ comp benefits: 

• Medical Care: In Iowa, workers’ comp covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment. It pays for your doctor visits, hospital stays, and any treatments you need because of your work injury.
• Temporary Disability Payments: If you cannot work while you’re healing, Workers’ comp gives you money to replace some of your lost wages. Injured workers are generally compensated at two-thirds of their average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum benefit.  
• Permanent Disability Payments: In some cases, an injured worker may not be able to make a full recovery from their accident. Permanent disability benefits may be available. 
• Death Benefits: If someone dies from a work injury, their family may receive money to help with expenses and lost income. These are highly complicated claims. 

Workers’ Compensation Claims in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

How Long Do I Have to File for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Iowa?

The workers’ comp claims process is time-sensitive. In Iowa, you typically have 90 days from the date of your work-related injury to report it. From there, you have two years to file a claim for workers’ comp benefits. Do not wait to get started with your case. 

Can I Appeal the Denial of a Workers’ Comp Claim?

Yes. Even though workers’ comp insurance is no-fault, many workers still struggle to get their benefits. A denial is stressful and frustrating—but it is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal. Consult with our Iowa workers’ comp appeals lawyer right away after getting a denial letter. 

What is a Third Party Liability Claim?

A workers’ comp claim is the sole remedy that an injured worker has against his or her own company. However, injured workers retain the right to sue any non-employer third parties, including contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. You can hold a negligent third party liability for the full value of your damages, including pain and suffering and other types of non-economic damages that cannot be recovered through workers’ comp. 

How Our Iowa Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help

A work injury can disrupt your entire life. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on your employer or an insurance company to look out for your best interests after a workplace accident. At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., we put the needs of injured workers first. With vast experience representing injured workers of many of Iowa’s largest employers, we are proactive and we are results-driven. More specifically, our Iowa workers’ compensation lawyers are prepared to: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer questions about workers’ comp claims; 
• Investigate the matter—securing any documentation you need to proceed; 
• Handle your workers’ compensation claim and/or workers’ compensation appeal; and
• Take whatever legal action is appropriate to help you obtain the maximum benefits. 

We are Committed to Getting Results for Injured Workers

Navigating a work injury claim is never easy. No matter the situation that you find yourself dealing with, we are committed to helping you get justice, accountability, and the greatest possible financial compensation. Our firm invests time, resources, and attention to detail into every case—and we have a strong record of successful case results. As an example, we recently secured a $205,000 settlement on behalf of a client who was injured on the job in Iowa. 

Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Top-Tier Iowa Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Iowa workers’ compensation attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and tenacity that you can trust. Give us a phone call now or contact us directly online to set up your free, no commitment consultation with a top-tier attorney. From our office in Waterloo and our office in Iowa City, we are standing by 24/7, ready to travel to meet injured workers across Iowa.