Johnston Workers’ Compensation Law

When is the right time to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney? It’s as soon as possible after a work injury. Iowa workers’ compensation law is extremely complex and requires considerable attention and care to be successful.

At Wertz Law Firm, P.C., we are lawyers with 60 combined years of experience who focus solely on workers’ compensation. We work closely with clients in Johnston and across the area to provide insight into their challenges. Our goal will be getting you the medical treatment you need for your injury with as little hassle as possible.

Acute Vs. Cumulative Injuries

Work injuries, whether in Johnston, Saylorville Lake or anywhere in Polk County or Iowa, fall into two basic categories: cumulative injuries and acute injuries.

Acute injuries are injuries that happen in an accident. They could be caused by an equipment malfunction or a worker error, but the injury takes place after an immediate traumatic incident. These acute injuries can be caused by actions as subtle as picking up something the wrong way, which can lead to a back injury, or as dramatic as a worker accidentally amputating their own finger. These types of injuries are potentially compensable through workers’ compensation.

Cumulative injuries are a little bit different. There’s no single action that starts the injury or worsens it to the point of incapacity. Instead, the little movements of your wrist, arm, legs, knees and other frequently used body parts add up over years, leading to many types of injuries, including:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendinitis
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Trigger finger

The pain that can emerge from these practices can be long-lasting and may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation to recover from. Workers’ compensation covers you for all those potential costs, helping you get back to full functionality without losing wages or your savings.

Finally, cumulative or acute injuries are equally likely for workers at the John Deere factory, people working in chemical labs, teachers and office workers of all types.

Special Considerations For Federal Workers

Anyone who works for the federal government may worry that they may not be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, federal laws ensure that federal workers have the same injury and compensation benefits as other workers in Iowa. In fact, according to the National Guard website, National Guard employees pursue workers’ compensation through Iowa’s system.

Get The Help You Need From An Experienced Team

Experience matters when dealing with the complex realities of workers’ compensation in Iowa. We have over 60 combined years of experience, so you can have faith that we’ll take the necessary steps to help you pursue the outcome you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at 319-861-3001 or send an email using this form.