Employer is Ignoring Work Restrictions After Injury

[batista]

My question involves workers compensation law for the state of: Iowa
I had hurt my spine/neck/uppershoulder at work and had recieved pt, until they said there was nothing futher they can do. Then they had me go get shots by a OS. That didnt work, so then i had to wait to get a MRI approved by the company which took 2 monthes. They have had me on light duty, but my supervisor and manager still have me doing everything, ignoring my restrictions. i went to get my mri, and I could not fit in the machine (because I am a big man) so now I have to go to a neighboring city that has a open MRI machine, but have to wait for that to get approved which I do not know how long that will take. I dont know where to go from here, I am in constant pain, and unable to do much of anything, but dont want to loose my job, and I cant afford to take time off. I want this to be solved but in the mean time it seems like it is getting worse. what do I do?

[Mr. Knowitall]

I suggest that you consult a worker's compensation lawyer. It sounds like you need somebody who can advocate for you in relation to your employer, and nothing we write here is going to convince your employer to start respecting your work restrictions.

[batista]

okay, I get what your saying, but i was just looking for some advise! so any advise is welcome

[cbg]

The law does not require that your employer follow your work restrictions. If they do not AND you re-injure yourself they may incur some liability, but they are not violating the law by refusing to do so.

[frustrated22]

Generally though your employer must honor these restrictions that are from the doctor. They waited forever to get MRI for my husband also. They finally did and he does need PT. They try and drag everything out so you will quit. Do not quit, wait for the MRI, I am surprised your doctor does not have you on some medication for the time being until the MRI is complete.

[cbg]

Generally though your employer must honor these restrictions that are from the doctor.

Under what law?

[frustrated22]

Iowa's workers compensation laws:
http://http://www.iowaworkforce.org/wc/statutes.htm

[cbg]

Your link is not working.

[frustrated22]

For some reason the http: is in twice, hopefully this time it wont put it in again:
www.iowaworkforce.org/wc/statutes.htm

[cbg]

Look, if you want me to review this and give you any kind of an educated opinion, you're going to have to get me a little closer to the statute in question than that.