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Iowa Workers' Compensation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: injured my knee at work, fell down on ice taking trash to dumpster

I now have a Dr. that put me on light duty, I work in a body shop, Dr said light duty should be something that I could do sitting in a chair, Dr doesn't want me to stress my knee any more and if there is nothing that I can do then Dr said I need to go home and not to injure it more than it... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Mar 10, 2018

If you don’t follow your doctor’s advice the insurance company will argue your problems are from your own doings and therefore any disability is not something they should have to pay for. Meanwhile the employer is looking for a reason to fire you. This is what Iowa’s Republican controlled... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: Workers comp. denied surgery, what are my options now?

I was injuried a year ago. Have done everything they have asked. Been to every appt. they even sent me for a 2nd opinion. Which he states was due to my job. They are still denying surgery.

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Feb 6, 2018

No big surprise with them denying surgery. They are in control and control is what you want, but won't likely ever get unless you can produce another medical opinion that says you need surgery and that opinion is considered to be reasonable. It is obvious to me you need help and that means... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: Can I have my nurse case manager replaced?

She has decided what doctor I will see, cancels my appointments to fit her schedule, and makes appointments without my knowledge. Has went so far as to give these doctors my personal information. What has happened to my rights as a human? Should I not be allowed to decide what doctor I will see and... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Nov 21, 2017

You can ask that she be replaced, but it is not likely to be done. She works for the insurance company, not you. She is paid by the insurance company. Her job is to get the doctors to pay you as little as possible. And, while she may be at times friendly, she is not your friend. The Iowa Republican... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: Injuried my knee at work and been having pain for the past two months. Filled out work comp forms on Oct 12 and release

medical form. I still have not received medical care approval. Is this a reasonable time to wait?

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Dec 17, 2017

No. It is not a reasonable time to wait. Changes were made to the workers' compensation laws effective on July 1st, 2017 and it will get harder and harder for injured workers to hire lawyers. Your claim is essentially been denied so you should not have a problem finding a lawyer. You need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: In Iowa can a lawyer take part of my weekly checks like 2 for me 1 for lawyer and so on
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Oct 6, 2017

Yes. It sounds like you have a contingent fee agreement. One-third goes to the attorney. Unless you agreed to pay him/her by the hour. Did you?

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: Minor injured at work

My brother, a minor, was injured at work and had to receive stitches. No problem there, but the employers didn't inform any of his family and released him into the care of another minor (unrelated) rather than attempting to call us or EMS. Were they allowed to release a minor into the care of... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Oct 4, 2017

Hmmmm.... Interesting question. I would love to know in which industry he was working. Probably a restaurant. No matter. The kid has a workers' compensation claim; I think you know this. But your question goes to notice to the family and if there is a duty to the family, which was breached,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: Can the employers insurance company end my permanent partial/ unscheduled injury payments without any indication

we have not gone before a commissioner on my case

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Apr 27, 2017

Did you receive the Auxier Letter advising thirty days before the termination your benefits would end? Did you return to work? Did the doctor indicate you've reached MMI? Were you released to return to work? Need more information, otherwise everyone is just guessing.

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I've been terminated from the postal service on September 19th, 2016 because of my injury on the job.

I was injuried on July 11th, 2016 while delivering mail. I lost my footing & went to catch myself with my right hand and it slipped and my right arm/hand went above my head and I landed on my chest at the same time. I felt my right shoulder pop and I heard it pop when I landed on it. I'm... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Nov 21, 2017

I see no Iowa lawyer has answered your question. That's not surprising since federal law makes it very difficult for lawyers to get paid except on an hourly fee basis. Contingent fees are not allowed and all fees have to be approved, which from a time-management standpoint makes this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: If I was hurt on the job but then changed jobs, can I still get workers' comp for my injury?
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Nov 5, 2016

I would say the answer to your question is "Yes". You may have to hire a lawyer but most will take your case based on a fee being paid contingent upon getting the benefits. Of course you should put the employer on notice of the injury, by telling them, preferably in writing, immediately.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: I have a injury not work related and have restrictions, my employer wont honor them.Do they have to honor

Are they liable if something happens.

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Nov 5, 2016

Well, we see this quite often and sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. It all depends on whether there are different opinions. Many times an injured worker has an injury to two different parts of their body with a different physician treating each. Those physicians can have opinions at... View More

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