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Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Who Understands Iowa’s New Work Comp Laws

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Posted by Emily Anderson

During the 2017 legislative session, some of Iowa’s lawmakers voted in new changes to Iowa’s Worker’s Compensation laws.  These changes were aimed to protect insurance companies and large, self-insured corporations by cutting benefits to injured workers.

Some of the changes to the law are not clear and will need to be interpreted by judges.  Iowa’s workers’ compensation laws are supposed to be interpreted in favor of the injured worker.  Workers who suffered injuries under the new system are just now having their cases heard by judges.

Attorneys who specialize in Iowa workers’ compensation law are on the front lines of these important cases, arguing for on behalf of injured workers.  These work comp attorneys argue that an interpretation of these new laws needs to be consistent with the way Iowa’s courts have said workers’ compensation laws should be interpreted—liberally construed in favor of the injured worker.

Pitfalls with New Iowa Workers’ Compensation Claim Laws

If you have suffered a work injury after July 2017, your claim is likely subject to these new laws.  The new laws set up multiple pitfalls for an injured worker.  These are situations where the injured worker can think they are making the right decision, but in fact, are forfeiting their right to future benefits.

Some of the pitfalls include:

  • Shoulder injuries have now changed under the new law, severely capping the benefits that an injured worker can receive for an injured shoulder. The result of this is a drastic decrease in permanent disability benefits that an injured worker would receive.
  • If the work comp insurance company has said you suffered a shoulder injury, you should talk with an Iowa workers’ compensation lawyer.  It’s possible if you suffer pain in your neck or back that your injury could be classified differently, meaning more benefits for you.
  • Injured workers can lose out on certain benefits if they don’t comply with an insurance company’s lawful request to see one of their doctors.
  • Injured workers can lose out on temporary disability benefits if they don’t comply with an insurance company’s request to return to light duty work.

Contact an Iowa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Learn Your Legal Rights

Now, more than ever, it is important to consult with an experienced Iowa workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured at work. An experienced Iowa work comp attorney knows how your legal rights have changed – and knows how to protect you from making serious mistakes.

If you were injured after July 2017 and have questions about your claim, call RSH Legal at 1-319-774-1783.  We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation for Iowans injured at work.

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