Workers' Compensation Attorney | Cedar Rapids

If you’ve been injured on the job in Cedar Rapids, you probably want to know if you need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. The work comp insurance company is probably pushing you to go back to work as soon as possible – or may be denying your claim altogether. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with pain from your injury and a stack of bills from not being able to work.

Insurance corporations will argue you’re not hurt as badly as you think, all the while offering you lowball settlement offers to get your case off their desk.

Don’t let them get away with this. If you are recovering from an injury at work, you need to speak with a skilled Cedar Rapids injury attorney before you sign any paperwork or settle your case.

Are You Sure You’re Getting Paid Everything You’re Owed After a Work Injury in Cedar Rapids?

There are a variety of benefits you are entitled to after being hurt on the job. Many injured workers don’t realize how the workers’ compensation insurance company is supposed to pay for these benefits. These can include:

Travel expenses to and from authorized medical appointments. Make sure you’re keeping a detailed list of dates and travel expenses, including mileage, for all injury-related medical treatment in order to get paid back.

The right weekly benefit rate. Many insurance corporations will miscalculate an injured worker’s weekly rate because they fail to include overtime hours or include less than full weeks into the calculation period. You should not assume that your weekly rate has been calculated correctly.

Medical treatment. Any work-related reasonable and necessary medical treatment is required by Iowa law to be paid by work comp companies. Many times the work comp company will try to let your health insurance company pay those medical bills instead. This results in you having to pay out-of-pocket co-pays or deductibles – when it’s work comp that should be paying these instead.

If you believe you’re not receiving all of the benefits you should be from the workers’ compensation insurance company, call us at 1-800-433-0283. You can get a free, no-obligation case evaluation from our experienced Iowa workers’ compensation lawyers.

Second Injury Fund Benefits

There’s a type of benefit that many injured workers from Cedar Rapids don’t know about called “Second Injury Fund” benefits. Second Injury Fund benefits are a way to better compensate injured workers that have suffered an injury to certain body parts.

Work comp insurance companies bank on the idea that injured workers don’t know about this type of benefit. It saves them thousands – or even millions – of dollars a year.

If you don’t speak with an attorney, you may be forfeiting the thousands of dollars in compensation that you deserve. Call us at 1-800-433-0283 to see if you qualify for Second Injury Fund benefits.

Cedar Rapids Work Injury Deadlines

You only have 90 days to notify your employer of your work-related injuries. If you don’t provide notice within 90 days, you may lose out on qualifying for benefits you would otherwise have received.

Our workmans’ comp lawyers at RSH Legal recommend that an injured worker provide notice in the form of a written letter that includes both the date and a written description of the injuries suffered.

You also have a limited amount of time to file a claim with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner. If you have never received weekly benefits (medical benefits or reimbursement for mileage doesn’t count), you have to file a claim within two years of the date of your injury.

If you have received a workers’ compensation check for temporary or permanent disability, you must file a claim within 3 years of the date your last disability benefit check was mailed. Missing that deadline can mean losing the right to additional benefits.

What Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Cedar Rapids Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

RSH Legal work comp attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Contingency means that you don’t pay us a retainer and you owe us no money for our services unless you win your case.

In other words, if your case does not result in your employer or its insurance company paying you money, we do not get paid for the work we do on your behalf.

Generally, our contingent fee is one-third of the total recovery that you make. If you settle your case or are awarded benefits from a decision of the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner, we will deduct our fee from the settlement check and forward the rest to you.

There are a few good things about hiring our Cedar Rapids law firm on a contingency fee basis:

You can hire us without having to make a significant down payment or pay a retainer upfront before we work on your case;

We work for the highest recovery possible because the more money you receive, the more money we receive;

We don’t take unnecessary risks in your case because if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.

Cedar Rapids Workplace Injury Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m injured at work in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

If you’re hurt on the job, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention right away. Make sure the incident is documented, follow your doctor’s instructions, and keep records of medical visits and missed work. You may also want to speak with a Cedar Rapids workplace injury lawyer to understand your rights beyond workers’ compensation.

Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury in Iowa?

In most cases, Iowa’s workers’ compensation system prevents employees from suing their employer directly. However, there are exceptions—such as injuries caused by a third party (like a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver). A personal injury attorney can review your case to determine whether you have a workers’ comp claim, a third-party lawsuit, or both.

What benefits can I receive for a workplace injury in Cedar Rapids?

Workers’ compensation benefits in Iowa may cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and disability benefits. However, workers’ comp does not provide compensation for pain and suffering. If a third party caused your injury, you may be able to pursue additional damages through a personal injury claim.

How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim in Iowa?

Iowa law generally requires workplace injuries to be reported to your employer within 90 days, and workers’ compensation claims must be filed within specific time limits. Third-party personal injury claims typically have a two-year statute of limitations. A Cedar Rapids workplace injury attorney can help ensure all deadlines are met.

If you have been injured at work in Cedar Rapids, you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to fight for fairness for you. Call RSH Legal today at 1-800-433-0283 and get a FREE consultation with one of our lawyers.

Tim Semelroth

Board-Certified Trial Attorney

Pressley Henningsen

AV-Rated Trial Attorney

★★★★★

A car came through the median and we were hit head on. Every bone in my body from my lower jaw down to the bottom of my feet was broken. My medical bills were in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. I can’t imagine going through something like this without someone like Tim or RSH Legal.

Bill B.

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