Local Representation For Your Workplace Injury Case
Back injuries are one of the most common types of work-related injuries. You can suffer a back injury when lifting heavy objects. Working long hours without proper breaks can also increase your chances of suffering from back problems.
Some jobs require employees to perform certain tasks that put stress on the back muscles causing discomfort in both the short and long term. Such activities increase the likelihood of back injuries.
Back injuries can range from muscle strains and herniated discs to more serious spinal damage. Even injuries that seem minor at first can become long-term problems if they are not treated properly. That is why it is important to report your injury, see a doctor, and understand your rights as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether your back condition qualifies for a claim, speaking with a Des Moines workers’ compensation attorney can help you figure out your next steps.
At Platt Law Firm P.C. in Urbandale, I have nearly 20 years of experience as an Iowa workers’ comp attorney serving the Des Moines area and Central Iowa. I am proud to offer free initial consultations and a client intake process that is in-person, low-pressure, and informative. As your attorney, I will handle everything about your case myself, so you always know who to contact with any questions.
Construction workers, healthcare aides, warehouse workers, and others who do a lot of bending and lifting depend on their backs to be strong and healthy. An injury can take away your ability to do your job and leave you struggling to earn a living. Common work-related back injuries include:
Some back injuries are relatively simple to tie to work activities. Other cases are more complex. I have handled numerous back injury workers’ comp claims in my years of practice, and I have the knowledge and resources to help you make the strongest possible claim on appeal.
Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical expenses for back injuries sustained at work. If you suffer from a workplace accident, you should contact your employer immediately. The sooner you notify them, the better chance you’ll have of receiving benefits.
You may receive temporary disability payments if you’re unable to return to work after an injury. These benefits last as long as your work cannot accommodate your work restrictions from a doctor. If your injury is permanent, even if you return to work, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. PPDs are based on the functional impairment from your injury. A doctor will rate your permanent impairment according to the AMA medical guides 5th edition.
If you are unable to return to your job, you will likely be eligible for industrial disability benefits that award you benefits for the impact of your injury on your ability to work. You may qualify for permanent total disability lifetime benefits if it is determined you are unable to return to any full time job because of your injury.
It is also worth knowing that a preexisting back condition does not automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits. If your work activity aggravated, accelerated, or worsened a prior condition, you may still have a valid claim. These situations can be complicated, and having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side can make a real difference in how your claim is handled.
At Platt Law Firm P.C. I handle workers’ compensation cases with a level of personal attention that larger firms often cannot offer. From the very first phone call, my team and I take the time to listen to your situation and explain your options in clear language, not legal jargon. The client intake process is straightforward, handled in-person, and designed to make things as easy as possible for you, especially when you are already dealing with pain and uncertainty after a back injury.
I graduated from Drake University Law School in 2008 and have spent nearly 20 years focused on workers’ compensation and work-related injury cases. That kind of focused experience means I understand how Iowa’s workers’ compensation system works, how insurance companies operate, and what it takes to protect your rights at every stage of a claim. Whether your case involves a single traumatic back injury or a condition that developed gradually over time, I have the background to help.
As a central Iowa workers’ comp attorney, I serve clients throughout the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities from my office in Urbandale. I am an Iowa native who understands the industries, employers, and health care landscape that injured workers in this area deal with every day. That local knowledge matters when you are trying to get the benefits you deserve.
If you have suffered a back injury at work and are not sure where to turn, Platt Law Firm P.C. is here to help. Contact the office in Urbandale to schedule a free consultation with a Des Moines workers’ compensation attorney who will give your case the personal attention it deserves. Se habla español.
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