Workers’ compensation claims are more common in some industries than others. Some of the most common jobs with workers’ compensation are in the following industries.
Truck and Delivery Driver Injuries
Truck drivers are essential to the supply chain in Iowa, but truck driving can be a dangerous profession. At Putnam Law we see truck drivers suffering from injuries that occur both on and off the road.
If you have been in a truck accident or suffered an injury loading or unloading your truck, you should contact an injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights.
In regard to the workers’ compensation claim, the employer/insurer is responsible for ongoing medical treatment, disability benefits, and possible vocational rehabilitation benefits. Fault is not an issue when determining whether or not the employee is compensated under workers’ compensation.
You may also have a separate claim against an at-fault party or person. Insurance adjusters sometimes refer to these claims as third party claims. If you have been in a collision, you may have one or more separate legal claims in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. For instance, if a drunk driver runs a red light and injures the truck driver, that truck driver will have a workers’ compensation claim and an additional injury claim against the drunk driver.
Iowa law treats these claims differently as opposed to workers compensation claims. You, the injured party, must prove the other party was negligent. If fault is proven, the injured worker may receive full damages against the negligent party as opposed to the caps under Iowa workers compensation laws.
Other times an entity may be at fault for a truck accident due to road defect – defective road construction barriers for example. In either case, the truck driver will have a workers’ compensation claim and an additional injury claim against the other at-fault party.
You should contact a personal injury attorney immediately to discuss your rights. Different statute of limitations and notice statutes may apply to your case. Other times it is necessary to preserve evidence to protect your rights.
Manufacturing Accidents in Iowa
One of the most dangerous types of occupations in Iowa is manufacturing. Employees who work in this industry are often exposed to risk of mechanical failure, stress injuries, chemical and biological agents, and catastrophic injuries. The scenarios that can cause injury in manufacturing are infinite, but most Iowa manufacturing accidents fit into one of several categories:
- Catastrophic injuries: A catastrophic accident in a manufacturing plant can cause severe injuries and even death. Equipment failure can lead to head injuries, lacerations, crushed hands and feet, and other trauma.
- Soft tissue injuries: Even without a catastrophic accident, a worker can suffer a soft tissue injury, such as a muscle sprain, strain, or tear. These injuries often happen as a result of falls, heavy lifting, or other incidents.
- Stress injuries: These injuries occur when, in manufacturing, an employee has to make a repetitive motion that places stress on their body. Even without an accident ever happening, the repetitive lifting, pushing, or pulling can result in injuries to the back, shoulder (often rotator cuff), knees, and other muscle groups.
- Exposure and sensory injuries: One commonly-overlooked type of injury is an incident that causes a loss of sensory function. Vision and hearing loss can be caused by accidents in the plant, as can loss of taste and smell as a result of chemical exposure.
If you were injured in the course of your employment at a manufacturer, you need an experienced attorney to help you with your claim.
Construction
People are injured at work every day, but when your workplace is a construction site, injuries are especially dangerous. Possible injuries could include a lifting injury, a fall, or electrocution. Any construction injury can be life-changing. Due to the demanding nature of construction work, proper medical treatment and care can make the difference between returning to work or having to find a new career.
Over the years our office has represented numerous construction workers involved in serious and life-changing accidents. No matter how serious or minor, always call a work injury attorney to determine your rights under Iowa law. There is no obligation and you may not even need an attorney.
Education
Teachers and other education personnel are subject to the more usual workplace injuries, such as slip and falls, back strain, toxic exposure, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
More and more, they are also dealing with treats of violence and actual violence from students and parents.
While data is still being gathered, anecdotal evidence points to an uptick in physical attacks between students and on teachers since the return to school following Covid 19. We have seen that here in our office as well. If you work in education and have been injured, call Putnam Law today.
Healthcare
Every year in Iowa a large number of workplace injuries occur in the healthcare industry. Due to the physically demanding nature of the work, registered nurses and certified nursing assistants make up a large portion of those injuries. Many cases involve spinal and back injuries during lifting and transferring of patients.
Proper lifting and repositioning are essential to diminishing the chances of a work related injury. This link is to the American Nurses Association gives guidelines regarding proper lifting techniques. Unfortunately, many nursing homes and hospitals put their employees at risk of injury by failing to provide adequate help or proper lifting apparatus.
If you are a healthcare provider and have been injured on the job, you should contact our office as soon as possible to discuss your particular situation. Remember to always report your injury to a supervisor and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Any delay in notification and treatment can be used against you to deny your claim.
If an injury is ongoing, often times employers will persuade or pressure employees to work under alleged “light duty” work. Many of these “light duty” positions are not that light after all and can cause further injury. Don’t let a supervisor endanger you further. Call or email our office to discuss your options with this typical situation.
Unfortunately, a common theme with injuries to registered nurses or CNA’s is the inability to return to work due to permanent injuries. This is especially common with back, neck, and spinal injuries. However, please remember that you must prove that you have suffered a permanent injury that is causally-related to your work injury.
There are several benefits available for injured healthcare workers in addition to medical care and payments for lost time at work. No matter where you are in the process, call or email Putnam Law Offices for a free case evaluation. Find out what rights apply to your particular situation.
