Local Representation For Your Workplace Injury Case
When you go to work every day, you reasonably expect that your employer will keep you safe. However, accidents and repetitive stress injuries are common occurrences, especially in certain industries.
In Iowa, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to obtain the settlement you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages from missing work.
At Platt Law Firm P.C. I have guided hundreds of injured workers through the Iowa workers’ compensation system to get the medical treatment they need as well as fair settlements or awards for their injuries. I understand how overwhelming this process can be, especially when you face a lengthy recovery after your injury.
When you work with me, Nicholas Platt, and my staff, you will always receive the personal attention and support you deserve at every step of your case. I have years of experience as a workers’ comp lawyer in Des Moines. You can trust me to fight tirelessly for the payments you are entitled to under Iowa law.
In my career as a Des Moines workman’s comp lawyer, I have helped thousands of Iowans who were injured at work. I have extensive experience handling a wide variety of workers’ compensation claims. Here are some of the common employers whose workers I frequently serve:
I am committed to providing detailed help with every aspect of the workers’ compensation claims process, from filing your initial claim to securing your benefits. My experience as a workers’ compensation attorney involves mediation and litigation. If needed, I can also help with appeals. My commitment to personalized service and deep understanding of the local workforce sets me apart from other workers’ compensation lawyers.
Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, is a central hub for legal and medical services. A few focal points include the Polk County Courthouse, major highways like I-235 and I-80, and significant buildings such as the Iowa State Capitol.
My office in Urbandale is just a 15-minute drive from Des Moines, making it an easy commute for clients from nearby areas. Whether you work in Des Moines or are seeking treatment there, the proximity to the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation and various medical facilities ensures you receive prompt, cohesive support from me.
When you are dealing with a work injury in Des Moines, finding the right workers’ compensation attorney is your first priority. A skilled lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some key steps to help you find the best representation:
Remember, the right Des Moines workman’s comp attorney will not only have the necessary experience but will also be someone you feel comfortable working with throughout your case. Take your time in this selection process; it can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation for your injury.
As we’ve discussed in the previous section, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. Here is why I stand out as a strong choice for your workers’ comp needs:
As your work injury attorney in Des Moines, I bring a laser-focused approach to your case. By concentrating on workers’ comp law, I stay at the forefront of legal developments and strategies that can benefit all my clients. My exclusive dedication to this area of law means you will have an advocate who truly understands what you are going through.
My track record speaks volumes about my ability to secure favorable outcomes for my clients. This is not just reflected in the results I achieve but also echoed in the numerous positive reviews from clients I have had the privilege to assist.
“I was at an end with my work comp claim. Denied by work comp and stuck paying the bills that came with it. I met with Nick and he reassured me that I had a case but it wasn’t going to be easy. Long story short, he got me more than I thought I would ever get and he kept fighting and got me even more.” – Brian, former client.
Read more about what my former clients have to say.
Iowa workers’ compensation laws are in place for the benefit of Iowa workers who suffer injuries on the job. However, successfully filing a claim can be a complicated process that is often more difficult than it should be.
Nevertheless, working with an experienced Des Moines workers’ comp lawyer can make a huge difference to the success of your claim.
If you are injured on the job, your employer is legally obligated to provide you with:
However, your employer will not necessarily inform you of all of these obligations when you are injured. I take my role as an advocate seriously; I strive to build long-lasting relationships with my clients and want to see you succeed.
When you work with me and my staff at Platt Law Firm P.C. you will always receive compassionate legal guidance and valuable support throughout the workers’ compensation process.
The Iowa workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Those benefits may include:
Getting these benefits involves multiple steps. The first step is to promptly report your injury to your employer, as timely notification is critical for a successful claim. Once reported, your employer is responsible for providing access to medical treatment and covering related expenses.
If your claim is accepted, you will receive benefits for medical treatment, lost wages and any permanent disability resulting from the injury.
However, not all claims are straightforward. If your claim is denied or if you disagree with the benefits offered, you have the right to appeal the decision. This process involves filing a petition with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commission, where an administrative law judge will review your case.
Further appeals may be possible if the initial appeal is unsuccessful. There are strict deadlines and procedural requirements for the appeals process. That said, having an experienced workman’s comp attorney in Des Moines can be a significant help during this time.
I am equipped to handle every aspect of the workers’ compensation process, including appeals and hearings, to help you receive the benefits you are entitled to under Iowa law. I can also answer any questions you may have about your rights, the workers’ comp process or the types of benefits you may be eligible for.
After a work injury or illness, it’s important to take the right steps to protect yourself and start your workers’ comp claim off on the right foot. Here’s what you should do:
Taking these steps can help streamline the process and protect your interests. As your attorney, I will provide personalized guidance and support throughout your workman’s comp injury case in Des Moines.
At 45 years old, Chris is proud to be a construction foreman for a commercial building company. He makes $62,000 per year with his associate’s degree in construction management, and that money supports his family of three: a spouse and children who are eight, 12 and 16.
As a foreman, Chris is aware of workplace safety regulations. Not only does he use his smartphone for work, but he also uses it to stay on top of these safety regulations. He is concerned about accidents involving heavy equipment, fall hazards, and exposure to harmful chemicals, products and building materials. He is responsible for OSHA compliance and team safety, and being bilingual means that he often translates for other team members.
One day, Chris is involved in a fall on the job. He falls from a ladder and suffers a spinal cord injury.
Chris immediately files an injury report with his employer. He then gathers evidence, such as medical bills and statements from his medical team, while he seeks treatment. He uses this evidence to file a workers’ compensation claim, seeking benefits to help cover his lost wages and the medical bills.
The claim is initially denied, as his employer contends that Chris caused his own injuries by slipping and falling from the ladder. Chris appeals with a Des Moines workers’ comp lawyer, correctly pointing out that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. He was performing the duties of his job, he was on the clock at the time, and he did not take any unnecessary risks. He simply slipped and fell because he has a hazardous job, and now he deserves compensation.
Chris wins his appeal and gets the workers’ compensation benefits that he needs. It is helpful for him to work with an experienced Iowa workers’ comp attorney because that attorney understands how the law works and how it is supposed to apply in this case, helping to counter the reasons for the initial denial. It is also helpful to work with a Des Moines workers’ comp attorney as he coordinates with medical professionals and gathers evidence.
Chris ends up getting the compensation he needs for lost wages and medical bills, which is important because the spinal cord injury takes a significant amount of time to heal. His future may be in jeopardy, but working with the workers’ compensation attorney has helped him get the financial benefits he and his family need at this time.
Another benefit of having an experienced Iowa workers’ comp lawyer on his side is that Chris understands what obligations his employer has moving forward. For instance, benefits may last until he has made a full recovery, and a workers’ compensation attorney can help him coordinate with medical professionals to determine when he has achieved maximum medical improvement and when he can return to work. This can significantly affect his life, but an Iowa workers’ comp law firm helps him secure his future.
While handling your workers’ compensation claim in Des Moines, it’s important to know where to turn for information and assistance. The Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation in Des Moines is your primary resource for official information and claim processing. For legal matters, the Polk County Courthouse handles many workers’ comp cases in Des Moines.
My office in Urbandale is around 20 minutes from both locations via the I-235. As your dedicated work injury lawyer in Des Moines, I am well acquainted with these places and can navigate these institutions efficiently on your behalf.
In our community, workers across various industries face the risk of on-the-job injuries. As a workers’ compensation attorney in Des Moines, I have extensive experience handling a wide range of workplace injuries. These include, but are not limited to:
Each of these injuries can have significant impacts on your ability to work and your overall quality of life. I understand how these injuries can affect your claim, and when you hire me as your workers’ compensation attorney, I will work tirelessly to pursue the medical care and benefits you are entitled to under Iowa law.
Whether you are dealing with a sudden accident or a gradually developing condition, my work injury law firm in Des Moines is here to advocate for your rights and guide you through the entire process.
Workers who suffer injuries on the job may be entitled to one or more benefits under Iowa’s workers’ compensation laws. Key benefits include:
As your work injury attorney in Des Moines, I am committed to helping you understand and obtain all the benefits you deserve under state law. However, each case is unique, and the benefits you receive will depend on the specifics of your injury and situation. Nevertheless, I will work vigorously to help you seek the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
When you have questions or concerns after an injury, contact Platt Law Firm P.C. I am available to answer your questions and address your concerns, such as those below.
If you have suffered a work injury in the state of Iowa, make sure to notify your employer as soon as possible and request medical treatment. According to Iowa law, your employer is responsible for providing access to medical treatment for work-related injuries.
Iowa workers’ compensation law stipulates that your employer may choose where to send you for medical care to treat a work-related injury. This is why it is very important that you report your injury to your employer right away and request medical treatment.
If you go to your own doctor without reporting the injury to your employer or without the permission of your employer, you may be responsible for the medical bills from those appointments.
In most cases, if you miss work because of an accepted work injury, your employer and their insurer will pay weekly benefits for the time that you miss work due to your injuries.
Under Iowa law, employers do not have to pay for the first three days missed from work due to a work-related injury unless more than 14 days are missed in total.
A work-related injury that becomes apparent over time still entitles employees to Iowa workers’ compensation benefits. Sometimes, repetitive or heavy work can cause an injury to appear or worsen over time.
These are called cumulative injuries, and Iowa workers’ compensation laws are designed to compensate for them.
The workers’ compensation system is a “no-fault” system. Unlike a car accident, where you must prove to a court that someone was at fault or negligent, under workers’ compensation laws, no one has to be at fault for you to claim benefits.
As long as an injury is caused or aggravated by work-related activities, it is likely compensable under Iowa workers’ compensation law.
Not in all cases. Compensation for workers’ comp injuries in Des Moines is decided by administrative law judges at Iowa Workforce. Many cases can be resolved without filing a lawsuit with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commission.
However, it may still be beneficial to have the advice of a Des Moines and Urbandale attorney to resolve your claim, even if your case doesn’t go before the commission.
It almost always benefits you to consult with a Des Moines work injury lawyer when you have a work injury. The Platt Law Firm P.C. offers free consultations for personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, and I will travel to meet with you if you live near me or outside the Des Moines and Urbandale area.
When you choose me as your Des Moines work injury attorney, the initial consultation for your case is absolutely free. If I accept your case, Platt Law Firm P.C. will only collect an attorney’s fee if I help you recover money for your claim.
You generally have 90 days to notify your employer of a work–related injury or illness in Iowa. That deadline may begin on the date of the accident or when you reasonably discover that your condition is connected to your job. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Reporting an injury promptly also creates a record of the event and can help avoid disputes with the employer or insurance company.
Usually, no. In most Iowa workers’ compensation cases, your employer or its insurance carrier has the right to choose the doctor who treats your work injury. If you receive unauthorized treatment from your own physician, you could be responsible for those medical expenses. There are exceptions, including situations where your claim is denied or the medical care being provided is unreasonable.
Yes, but not because you filed a workers’ compensation claim. Iowa is an at–will employment state, so employers may terminate employees for legitimate business reasons. However, Iowa law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for pursuing workers’ compensation benefits. If you believe
you lost your job because you exercised your legal rights after a workplace injury, you may have grounds for additional legal action beyond your workers’ compensation claim.
You may have the right to seek an Independent Medical Examination, or IME. Under Iowa Code Section 85.39, qualifying workers can request an independent evaluation if they disagree with the employer–authorized doctor’s opinion regarding permanent impairment. In certain circumstances, the employer must pay for that examination. An independent assessment may provide important evidence regarding your condition, work restrictions and entitlement to additional benefits.
Yes. Iowa workers’ compensation law covers cumulative trauma and repetitive stress injuries as well as sudden accidents. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back problems and degenerative joint conditions may qualify if they were caused or aggravated by your job duties. In these cases, the injury date is often tied to when the condition becomes serious enough to require medical treatment or interfere with your ability to work. Although these claims can involve complex medical issues, Iowa law recognizes that workplace injuries do not always occur in a single event.
The Iowa workers’ compensation system can be confusing for workers and even attorneys who don’t deal with these cases every day. If you do not have the advice of an experienced workman’s comp lawyer in Des Moines, you may not receive all the benefits that the law allows for your workers’ compensation injury.
To schedule a consultation to discuss your claim, call me at 515-278-1522 or complete my online contact form to get in touch. Out of my Urbandale office, I can assist clients in the Des Moines metro and any surrounding central Iowa cities.
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