No one expects to get injured at work. When it does happen, there are specific conversations, paperwork, and processes you need to work through immediately to receive benefits while you recover. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never experienced an injury while on the job before, and as such, you might not know how to proceed. It is essential to speak to an attorney about worker’s compensation like Platt Law Firm.
Employees in Iowa can apply for and receive workers’ compensation benefits without speaking to an attorney. However, your unique situation might be more complex than others and require a consultation with someone who has extensive knowledge and experience with workers’ compensation claims in Iowa.
Here are 6 signs you should speak to an attorney about workers’ compensation and your rights as an employee in Iowa:
1. You or Your Family Member Were Injured and You Don’t Know Your Rights
If you were recently injured and don’t understand your rights or how to receive workers’ compensation benefits from your employer, a free consultation with an attorney can help you gain a better understanding of your situation and options. Additionally, if a loved one was completely disabled or died while on the job, a consultation is even more significant. As a dependent of your deceased or severely injured loved one, you also may have the opportunity to receive benefits.
2. You Were Injured and Your Employer is Denying Knowledge of the Injury
In Iowa, your employer must receive notice or have knowledge within 90 days of the day when your injury on the job occurred. If you submitted this information to them within the accepted timeframe but they are denying that they received it or were told about it, consider talking with an attorney about how to receive benefits when your employer refuses to accept or validate your claims.
3. Your Employer is Refusing to Submit Your Claim
If your employer is not following the documented processes required for you to start receiving benefits from the business or their private insurance company, talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Speak to an attorney about workers’ compensation can help you engage with your employer and, if a civil action is needed, will take steps to bring the case to the attention of the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.
4. Your Employer is Asking You to Lie
If you experienced an injury at work and your employer is asking you to lie about what happened or do anything unethical at any point in the process, it’s in your best interest to consult with an attorney instead.
5. You Aren’t Receiving the Benefits
If you haven’t started receiving benefits or your benefits have stopped suddenly without warning or notice, talk with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand what happened and work with you, your employer, and the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner in Iowa to ensure that, if eligible, you start receiving the benefits you deserve again as soon as possible.
6. Your Employer Is No Longer Communicating with You
If your employer suddenly stops communicating or sharing information with you about the status of your benefits, consult with a worker comp attorney right away. An attorney can help ensure that your employer is continuing to follow through on the process required for you to start receiving benefits for your medical expenses and loss of income.
Nicholas Platt has consulted with hundreds of clients in these situations in his career and specializes in workers’ compensation claims. Platt Law offers free consultations for personal injury and workers compensation inquires in Des Moines and Urbandale, Iowa. Call our workers compensation attorney today at 515-346-6659.