Iowa Worker's Compensation Benefits
By Aaron Larson
Law Offices of Aaron Larson
July, 2003
Important Notice: The following overview of Iowa's worker's compensation (workmans comp) benefits is presented on an as-is basis. This information is believed accurate as of the date of authorship, but is not intended to provide a complete analysis of available benefits and may not reflect subsequent changes in the law. For a full review of Iowa's worker's compensation law, or for a determination of how the law applies to a specific worker, please consult a worker's compensation attorney licensed to practice in the state of Iowa.
Contents
- Introduction
- Special Employment Situations
- Medical Benefits & Choice of Physician
- Disability Benefits Provided
- Death Benefits Provided
- Limits on Attorney Fees
Introduction
Iowa's system of worker's compensation (workman's comp) is compulsory, meaning that employers are required to provide worker's compensation insurance for their employees. Worker's compensation insurance may be provided through a private insurance carrier, or employers may self-insure. Waivers may be permitted.
Special Employment Situations
Depending upon the amount of wages earned, with the exception of certain members of the employer's immediate family, agricultural employees may be covered by the compulsory provisions of the act. With the exception of regular household members, any employee working in or about a private dwelling whose earnings are $1,500 or more during the 12 consecutive months prior to an injury is covered by the state worker's compensation act.
Medical Benefits & Choice of Physician
Full medical benefits are provided to employees entitled to worker's compensation benefits, with no time or monetary limits. The employer selects the physician who will provide care.
Disability Benefits Provided
Payments are made for temporary total disability (TTD) in an amount determined by a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments are made for permanent total disability (PTD) based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments for PTD continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments for permanent partial disability (PPD) are made based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Depending upon the nature of the disability, payments for PPD may continue for up to 500 weeks.
Scheduled awards are paid in addition to total temporary disability benefits starting upon termination of the termination of the TTD benefits. Scheduled awards are not reduced because of receipt of TTD benefits.
Benefits may be available for permanent disfigurement of the head or face, which impairs future usefulness and earnings in the occupation in which the employee was injured.
Physical and vocational rehabilitation benefits are available.
With certain constraints and filing deadlines, occupational hearing losses may be compensable.
Death Benefits Provided
Death benefits are payable to an employee's surviving spouse, or spouse and children, based upon a percentage of the employee's wages, subject to a cap. A burial allowance is available.
Limits on Attorney Fees
Attorney fees for claimants are approved by the agency on a case-by-case basis.
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