How Much Pay Will You Get From Iowa Workers’ Compensation While You Recover From A Work Injury?
Getting hurt on the job and navigating a medical recovery is overwhelming. Missing work and regular income at the time of your injury or as you recover is stressful. The workers’ compensation lawyers here at Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., in Des Moines, help injured workers to recover the maximum amount possible for medical benefits and lost wages.
Iowa Workers’ Compensation Law And Lost Wages
Iowa law states that an employee who was injured on the job and must leave work for medical treatment may be eligible for payment of lost wages. Total weekly compensation for any employee cannot exceed 80% of the employee’s weekly “spendable earnings,” which the law defines as the amount remaining after payroll taxes are deducted from gross weekly earnings.
What Are Temporary Total Disability Benefits Under Workers’ Compensation In Iowa?
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits apply when your work injury prevents you from working at all while you recover.
In Iowa, you may qualify for TTD if your injury keeps you off work for more than three calendar days. Benefits begin on the fourth day. If you miss more than 14 days of work, the insurance company must also pay you for the first three days.
TTD does not replace your full paycheck. As mentioned, Iowa law limits weekly benefits to 80% of your spendable earnings. The state uses a formula to calculate this amount.
Your benefit depends on:
- Your average weekly wage
- Your marital status
- The number of dependents you claim
- The state’s yearly maximum benefit rate
Because of this formula, two workers with the same gross pay may receive different benefit amounts.
You receive TTD benefits until you return to work or your doctor says you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). That means your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve with more treatment.
What Are Temporary Partial Disability Benefits Under Iowa Workers’ Compensation?
Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits apply when you return to work but earn less than you did before your injury.
You may qualify for TPD if your doctor places you on light duty or reduced hours and your employer cannot pay you your full preinjury wages. In Iowa, TPD benefits typically pay a portion of the difference between your average weekly wage before the injury and what you earn after you return to work.
These benefits help make up for reduced income while you continue to recover. You can receive TPD until you return to full earnings or reach MMI.
If your employer underpays you or refuses to provide light-duty work, it can directly affect your benefits. Reviewing your wage records and restrictions is important to protect your income.
Lost Wage Benefits On The Date Of Injury
Iowa statutes allow an employee to be paid for a full day of work on the date of injury, regardless of what time the employee leaves work. Therefore, an employee should not be required to use sick leave or vacation when seeking medical care on the actual date of the injury.
Why Choose Our Des Moines Workers’ Compensation Attorneys?
Workers’ compensation is a main focus of our firm. We represent injured workers in Des Moines and across Iowa.
Many of our clients work in construction, manufacturing, health care, corrections and other physical jobs. When you cannot work, your income stops. Bills do not. At Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., we understand how much this affects your family.
Our attorneys have been peer-review rated AV Preeminent* through Martindale-Hubbell for over a decade combined. We have deep Iowa roots and a strong history of standing up for working men and women.
We help by:
- Checking wage calculations for errors
- Fighting denied or delayed benefits
- Challenging early benefit cutoffs
- Representing you in hearings and appeals
The Iowa workers’ compensation program can be complex and confusing. The Iowa lost wages lawyers from Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., will help you navigate the process and fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.
Speak To An Iowa Lost Wages Attorney Today
Our workers’ compensation attorneys offer free consultations and case evaluations. We can review the facts of your case and recommend the next best steps for you to take. Contact us by calling our office at 515-446-9861 or send us an email to schedule an appointment.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.