
Workers’ Compensation Application Process in Iowa
Guiding Iowa Employees Through the Workers’ Compensation Application Process
You are entitled to monetary workers’ compensation benefits for certain types of expenses and losses after an on-the-job accident. If you have never suffered a workplace accident before, you may be unsure how to prepare your application or what to do first.
Our attorney at the Pothitakis Law Firm is more than happy to assist you with the workers’ compensation application process in Iowa. Our firm has recovered over $140 million for our clients and has a complete understanding of how these claims are evaluated. We are extensively familiar with what goes into a successful application and will leverage our knowledge to help you speed up the process and avoid common mistakes. Getting you the financial resources that you need after an accident is our main priority, which is why we will provide attentive, results-oriented advocacy every step of the way.
You owe no attorney fees unless we win, so there is no reason not to schedule a free initial consultation today. Call (319) 318-0450 or contact us online to get started. Se habla español.
How Does the Workers’ Compensation Application Process Work in Iowa?
Before you can formally apply for workers’ compensation, you must verify you are eligible for benefits and notify your employer of the injury. If you work for a private employer with at least one employee, there is a strong chance they are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You will likely qualify under their policy if your injury was demonstrably job-related.
You should also see a doctor to treat and document injury. Your employer may later ask you to get a medical evaluation from a doctor of their choice. The law allows employers to choose a medical provider, which can sometimes lead to problems down the line. Be firm when explaining your injuries and do not be afraid to advocate for yourself if it seems like the doctor is looking to minimize your condition.
You have 90 days from the date you discovered a job-related injury to inform your employer. To expedite the application process and get benefits faster, you should notify your employer in writing immediately. Your claim may be denied if you wait too long to report your injury, so do not delay.
When notifying your employer, you should be prepared to submit:
- A complete breakdown of what happened, when, why, and who was involved
- Documentation of your injury or injuries
- Evidence that the injury is job-related
- Evidence of expenses incurred related to the injury, such as medical bills
Once you have reported your injury, your employer has four days from the date of the notification to file a “First Report of Injury” with the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation and their insurance carrier. This reporting deadline is not your responsibility, and your employer is required by law to fulfill this obligation.
Other steps of the application process include:
- Seek Medical Attention: After reporting the injury, seek medical treatment from an approved healthcare provider. Your employer might have a designated list of healthcare providers for work-related injuries.
- Filing a Claim: If your injury requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid or causes time away from work, you may need to file a workers' compensation claim. This involves submitting a Claim Petition (Form 100) to the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner.
- Claim Process: The claim process involves investigation and evaluation. The insurance company or your employer might accept the claim, deny it, or seek more information. If there's a dispute, it might be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or a hearing before the Workers' Compensation Commissioner.
- Benefit Determination: If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to various benefits, including medical treatment coverage, compensation for lost wages, vocational rehabilitation (if necessary), and other benefits depending on the nature and severity of your injury.
- Appeals: If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process may involve administrative hearings before a workers' compensation judge.
If you have any questions about the workers’ compensation application process in Iowa, do not hesitate to reach out to the Pothitakis Law Firm. We can walk you through what steps you must take to move your claim forward.

Why Choose Pothitakis Law Firm?
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Our clients trust us — and their reviews show it. We’re proud to be recognized for our dedication, compassion, and the real results we’ve delivered to injured workers just like you.
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Whether you prefer to meet in person, over the phone, or virtually, we make it easy for you to get trusted legal help — wherever and however you need it.
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Our team understands how insurance companies operate — and we use that knowledge to build stronger, smarter strategies that protect your rights and maximize your benefits.
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With over 25 years of focused experience, our firm handles only workers' compensation and work injury cases. This level of specialization allows us to navigate every case with unmatched precision and expertise.
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We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means there’s no upfront cost. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything — it’s that simple.
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We have a long-standing track record of success, securing over $140 million in benefits and settlements for our clients. Our results reflect our relentless commitment to fighting for the compensation injured workers deserve.


See Our Success Stories
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$1 Million Workers Slip and Fall
After hearing, the Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner entered an award fully in favor of the Claimant finding him permanently and totally disabled. The Decision resulted in an award with the present value of in excess of $1 million. In addition, the Defendants were ordered to pay the Claimant’s medical expenses for the remainder of his life.
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$450,000 Partial Commutation
In 2013, our client was a truck driver who was fatally injured in a tragic auto accident. He was married at the time and as a result his wife was entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Those benefits would end upon her death or shortly after she were to remarry. The surviving spouse was finding it difficult to live on the weekly Workers’ Compensation benefits and for other reasons wanted to have the money paid in a lump sum.
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Workers’ Comp Appeal Results in Settlement
Pothitakis Law Firm pursued this claim for in excess of three and a half years. Mr. Pothitakis conferenced with the claimant’s doctors and obtained reports over those years to put the claimant in the best position to obtain a favorable result at hearing. When the initial decision was inappropriate, Pothitakis Law Firm filed an appeal and was successful on that appeal.