If I have a permanent injury should I receive additional compensation?
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Answer:

Yes. If the doctor says that you have a permanent injury (meaning that you are no longer the same person you were before your injury) then you are to receive compensation for your permanent disability. The amount of compensation is determined first by the nature of your injury. Scheduled member injuries like injuries to your hand, arm, leg, foot, hearing loss, and vision loss are treated much differently than unscheduled member injuries. like injuries to your back, neck, shoulder, brain, mental injuries (depression, PTSD and anxiety), RSD/CRPS- chronic regional pain syndrome, skin injuries and other medical conditions considered body as a whole conditions.

Scheduled member injury- Generally, if you have sustained a scheduled member injury only, the only compensation you will receive is based upon your impairment rating. There are some exceptions to this which are explained in my book such as the 2nd Injury Fund which provides additional compensation if this is your 2nd scheduled member injury. (Note: the first scheduled member injury does not have to be work related. If you have previously had knee surgery, carpel tunnel surgery or a number of other conditions then you may qualify).

Unscheduled member injuries- If you have a permanent impairment rating and/or restrictions caused by an injury to your back, neck, shoulder or other body as a whole condition then your impairment rating is only one of many factors to consider. The other factors include your age, education, restrictions, earnings, work history along with many other things. If you have permanent impairment rating, it is common for your employer and/or their insurance company to send you a letter saying here is your impairment rating and this is what we will pay you. They do not tell you that you may be entitled to much more compensation than just your impairment rating.

(WARNING: THESE ARE GENERAL STATEMENTS AND ARE NOT INTENDED AS LEGAL ADVICE OR LEGAL OPINIONS. IF YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYMENT LAW CLAIM THERE ARE DEADLINES WHICH CAN BE AS SHORT AS ONLY A FEW DAYS TO FILE A GRIEVANCE OR ONLY A FEW MONTHS TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION OR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION. IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYMENT LAW CASE THEN YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY RIGHT AWAY.)

Do you have more questions or would just like to know more about Iowa's workers compensation laws? Then request a copy of my Iowa workers compensation book which is available to you at no cost, risk or obligation. If you would like immediate assistance call toll free at 888-792-3595 and ask for Corey.