Workers' Compensation

Iowa workers' compensation is a system administered by the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commission, whereby an individual injured in an accident that occurs while on the job or in the scope and course of their employment can recover money from their employer for lost compensation, medical bills and other damages. Iowa workers' compensation claims are covered under state statute. The workers' compensation attorneys of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson, P.C. are familiar with the workers' compensation statutes. Employees of federal agencies and in certain types of industries, including those operating on waterways such as the Mississippi River, are covered by federal statutory laws with which the firm's lawyers are also familiar.

A workers' compensation claim is more like a claim for insurance benefits than it is like a lawsuit. It is not an issue whether the workers' injury was caused by his or her own negligence, or by the negligence of someone else. However, in return for the advantage of receiving monetary benefits without litigating or proving fault, the amount of money you can recover under a workers' compensation claim is limited by state or federal law.

The workers' compensation claim is considered an exclusive remedy against the employer, so the employee cannot ask for workers' compensation benefits and then sue the employer for more money. However, if the job-related injury was the result of a third party's negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, the injured individual can sue this third party for damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages. The Quad Cities workers' compensation lawyers at McDonald, Woodward & Carlson, P.C. have handled many of these third party claims and will advise you as to your rights under the law.

If you are in need of an experienced and capable workers' compensation attorney please do not hesitate to contact McDonald, Woodward & Carlson, P.C. today, for a free consultation.