How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Iowa?
Strict time limits apply to Iowa workers’ compensation claims. Waiting too long to take action could impair your rights, so do not wait to discuss your case with our Iowa workers’ compensation lawyer.
You have 90 days from the date of a job-related accident or the date you discovered a job-related injury or illness to inform your employer, but it is in your best interest to notify them as soon as possible. Your notification should be made in writing.
After you have notified your employer, you must start receiving benefits within two years of the date of the injury-causing accident (or the date you discovered a job-related injury or illness). If you do not start receiving benefits during this two-year window, you must file a formal workers compensation petition before the initial statute of limitations expires.
If you have at any point received workers’ compensation benefits for an injury, a different statute of limitations applies if you are seeking new benefits for that injury. You will have three years from the date of your final payment to receive additional benefits for the injury.
Do You Lose Workers’ Compensation if You Quit Your Job?
In Iowa, if you decide to quit your job your workers’ compensation case will remain open. But it opens the door for there to be issues with your case. This is especially true if you are receiving temporary disability benefits or are planning to file for unemployment. If you leave your job while receiving temporary disability benefits, they could end.
If you were injured at work and plan to quit your job, then it’s best you speak with an Iowa workers’ comp attorney. Schedule your free initial consultation with the legal professionals at the Pothitakis Law Firm today.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
Though you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when you suffer job-related injuries, actually obtaining the money you deserve is often easier said than done. You should not assume that your employer or their insurance company is acting in your best interest. In many cases, these parties will do everything in their power to pay you as little as possible.
By hiring a seasoned legal representative, you level the playing field. Our legal professionals at the Pothitakis Law Firm can provide knowledgeable guidance at all stages of the application process and are prepared to assist you if your claim is denied. We have a workers comp attorney near you to help when you need it most. We will work to ensure your injuries are fairly evaluated and that you receive the full amount of what you are owed under the law.
Your recovery is important to us, and every dollar counts. Contact us online or call (319) 754-6400 to discuss your case and options.
Further Reading:
What is the average workers' comp settlement?