Pella Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Representing Injured Employees in Marion County and Throughout Iowa

Some jobs are more inherently dangerous than others, but everyone deserves a safe workplace. When accidents happen or injuries do develop, qualifying workers have the right to seek financial support through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Getting the benefits that you need for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability is often more challenging than it needs to be, but hiring a seasoned Pella workers’ compensation lawyer can make what can be a confusing process easier. Our attorney at the Pothitakis Law Firm has over 25 years of experience and has recovered over $140 million for injured Iowans. Whether you have yet to report your injury to your employer or are struggling with a denied claim, we are confident we can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to get just compensation. We will leverage our vast knowledge of the law, strong negotiation skills, and proven litigation prowess to fight for the best possible outcome.

You owe our firm no attorney fees unless we win, so call (319) 318-0450 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation today. Se habla español.

What Is a Cumulative Injury?

Workers’ compensation policies must cover injuries resulting from workplace or on-the-clock accidents. Iowa is a no-fault state, so it does not generally matter who was responsible for causing the accident. There are exceptions if someone is injured due to their intoxication or their attempt to hurt themselves or someone else.

Accident-related consequences are not the only types of injuries covered by workers’ compensation insurance, however. Cumulative injuries may also qualify for coverage.

A cumulative injury is not caused by a single event but is instead exacerbated over an extended period of time by some element of your workplace or your job responsibilities. In many cases, a cumulative injury will develop due to the repetitive motions inherent to a job, which is why these conditions are sometimes called “repetitive strain injuries.” Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is a common cumulative injury in some working environments. Factors other than physical movement, such as extreme noise levels, can also contribute to cumulative injuries.

You may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you have suffered a cumulative injury that you can prove is work-related. You also may be eligible for benefits if an existing health condition or injury was demonstrably made worse by your job. Unlike an accident-related injury, it can be tougher to establish a clear, indisputable connection between your job and a cumulative injury.

Not sure whether your cumulative injury makes you eligible for benefits? Our Pella workers’ compensation attorney can review the available evidence and help you understand your options, including the potential outcomes for filing a claim.

Do not wait to get legal advice, as you only have 90 days from the day you began to suspect your injury could be work-related to notify your employer. If you miss this deadline, you could be denied benefits.

What is an Occupational Illness?

Occupational illnesses are a unique type of cumulative injury that can be especially tricky to detect. These diseases occur due to prolonged exposure to harmful toxins, allergens, or chemicals present in your workplace. Symptoms may not be noticed immediately, and you may not realize their appearance or worsening are work-related. These factors can complicate reporting deadlines, but you still must notify your employer within 90 days of the date you had reason to believe (or should have reasonably had reason to believe) the illness may be job-related.