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Workers' Compensation
Why trust Pohlman Law Firm?
Ron Pohlman has 36 years of specialized experience in workers' compensation and has seen it from multiple perspectives. Ron has worked as a law clerk, judge, and defense and injured worker attorney. He will always be honest and available for any questions you may have.
Consultations are always free. We do not get paid unless you do!
What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job duties. In Iowa, the workers' compensation system is administered by the state government. Employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover their employees. If an employee is injured on the job, they can file a claim with their employer's insurance provider to receive the necessary medical treatment and compensation for lost wages.
The goal of workers' compensation is to help injured workers return to work as quickly as possible while ensuring they receive the care and benefits they need. It provides an alternative to the traditional legal system, allowing workers to receive benefits without having to prove their employer was negligent.
Useful Links:
• Workers' Compensation | Department of Labor
• Workers' Compensation | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Common Workers' Comp Injuries
No matter the type of injury, Ron Pohlman is committed to protecting the rights of injured Iowa workers. Contact us today to discuss your case.
At Pohlman Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of work-related injuries, including, but not limited to:
• Back Injuries: From herniated discs to spinal cord damage, we know how to effectively pursue compensation for debilitating back issues.
• Neck Injuries: Whiplash, pinched nerves, and other neck problems can significantly impact your ability to work - we'll fight to get you the benefits you need.
• Shoulder Injuries: Rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and other shoulder problems often require extensive medical treatment and time off work, which we can help you recover.
• Leg and Hip Injuries: Whether it's a knee replacement, hip fracture, or other lower-body injury, we'll work to ensure you get the full compensation you're entitled to.
• Strokes, Mental Disabilities, and Severe Injuries: Our team has the skills and resources to handle even the most complex and catastrophic workplace injuries, including those affecting the brain, nervous system, and mental health.
• Workplace Fatalities: In the devastating event of a work-related death, we can assist surviving family members in obtaining death benefits and other compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pohlman Law Firm charge hourly for advice?
No. The firm does not charge for consultations. If you do not get benefits from your case, the attorney will also receive no fees. We only get paid if you get paid.
Mileage pay, lost time for medical appointments, retraining?
This mileage reimbursement rate changes every year so call our office to get the correct rate. Effective July 1, 2022, the mileage reimbursement rate for injured workers in Iowa is 62.5 cents per mile for travel performed on or after July 1, 2022. This change in rate is found in Commissioner's Rule 8.1(2). There is a small benefit for retraining provided in the workers’ compensation law but every bit helps. If you lose time from work to attend a doctor's appointment or physical therapy it is likely you are entitled to reimbursement. I can help you recover those lost wages.
Using sick leave? Can an employer make the injured worker use personal sick leave days and vacation pay after a work injury?
No. Iowa law is very specific that an employer cannot require an injured worker to use accumulated sick leave days, or vacation pay instead of receiving workers' compensation payments for time missed from work.
Weekly pay after healing? Under what circumstances does a worker continue to receive weekly checks after healing from the injury? Does it make any difference if the worker returns to the old job or goes to work for a new employer?
In most cases the injured worker will be owed weekly payments for the permanent disability caused by the injury. The good insurance companies will recognize this and start making payments as soon as the doctor has said the workers’ healing period has ended. However, the question of whether or not you are entitled to further compensation can be a complicated one and is always dependent on the workers’ specific recovery and employment return success. Make sure you ask an attorney who is current on Iowa workers’ compensation law. The answer to this question is much different than it was before the legislature changed the workers’ compensation laws in 2017.