Many injured workers worry that if they have made a mistake that has contributed to their own work-related injury or illness, they will not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. In Iowa, that is usually not the case. The system is designed to operate on a no-fault basis. This means that employees can often recover benefits even if their own actions contributed to their employment-related harm.
Workers’ compensation claims determinations generally focus on whether the injury or illness at issue arose out of and in the course of a particular worker’s employment. If the answer is yes, benefits are generally available regardless of who caused the accident or conditions of concern. In a typical Iowa workers’ compensation case, an employee who slips, misjudges a task or makes a momentary error can still receive coverage for medical care and lost wages.
For example, a warehouse employee who lifts incorrectly and injures their back, or a construction worker who loses footing while performing assigned duties, may still qualify for benefits. Even if an employer argues that the worker should have been more careful, that alone does not usually bar recovery.
Some exceptions to this generally applicable rule may apply to some workers
With all of this being said, benefits may be denied if a particular injury resulted from intoxication, whether from alcohol or drugs, at the time that a worker experienced harm. Similarly, if an employee intentionally causes their own injury or engages in willful misconduct, such as knowingly violating a serious safety rule, the claim may be challenged. These situations are fact-specific, and employers or insurers often raise them when trying to limit liability.
Employers may also – or alternatively – argue that an injury happened outside the scope of employment or was caused by a preexisting condition. It is important to understand that even if a worker had a prior condition, an aggravation or worsening caused by job duties may still be compensable under Iowa law. Simply because an employer or insurer pushes back against a claim doesn’t mean that it isn’t compensable.
Ultimately, being partially or totally “at fault” does not automatically disqualify employees from workers’ compensation benefits in Iowa. The system is designed to protect workers who are injured while doing their jobs, even when human error is involved.
