Get A Fort Dodge Workers’ Compensation Attorney On Your Side

When a work injury disrupts your life in Fort Dodge, you need an attorney who will fight for what you deserve. At Wertz Law Firm, P.C., we understand that it involves more than just a financial payout. It’s about ensuring you can heal and get back to living a productive life. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined legal experience fighting for injured workers across Iowa. We dedicate our practice exclusively to helping people get fair workers’ compensation benefits, so you can rest assured knowing that we are truly on your side.

Who Is Eligible For Workers’ Compensation?

You may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Iowa if you suffer a work-related injury, or any harm that “arises out of and in the course of employment.” To put it simply, your injury should be directly linked to your job to be eligible.

Fort Dodge has a strong industrial economy, the largest sectors of which include meatpacking plants, manufacturing, health care and retail. Unfortunately, these are also sectors that often see workplace-related incidents that result in:

Back and neck injuries
Brain injuries
Shoulder and arm injuries
Repetitive stress injuries
Chemical exposure and occupational illness

All these are compensable under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. If you have preexisting conditions that were aggravated or made worse by your work, you may also be qualified for benefits.

Take note that while Iowa law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, there are some exceptions. The law generally does not cover independent contractors, partners in a business or certain corporate officers who have opted out of coverage. However, even if your eligibility seems uncertain, it is worth consulting with a lawyer. Our Fort Dodge workers’ compensation attorney can assess your specific situation and help you determine if you have a valid claim.

What Can You Expect From Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

The amount and duration of your benefits depend on the nature of your disability. In most cases, your employer’s insurance provider provides you with temporary total disability benefits until you are able to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is the point where your medical condition has plateaued and is not likely to improve further.

If your injury causes a permanent impairment, you can get permanent partial disability benefits. You receive these benefits for a set number of weeks after you reach MMI, the duration of which also depends on the specific injury.

Returning To Work After A Personal Injury

Can your employer make you go back to work before you are ready? No, your employer cannot force you to return to work unless your doctor says you are ready. Your doctor is the one who determines when you’ve reached MMI and whether you have any work restrictions.

If your employer offers you a light-duty or modified job, you may need to accept it as long as it aligns with your medical restrictions and the offer is in writing. Refusing a suitable job could cause your benefits to be suspended.

Contact Our Fort Dodge Lawyers Today

Do not let an employer or insurance company diminish your Fort Dodge workers’ compensation claims. As your attorneys, we will stand up for your rights and provide the legal representation you need. Call us today at 319-861-3001 or send us a message through our website to schedule your free initial consultation.