The majority of Iowa workers, especially those who are full time employed are covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance which is designed to compensate them if they become injured or ill while at work. There are a few exceptions, and it is a possibility that your employer has failed to take out insurance, so if you do suffer an injury or become ill while at work, check out your rights and how you should proceed before making a claim. If there are any problems, or your employer has failed to take out relevant insurance cover, even if required to do so by Iowa law, contact an attorney to help you file a claim for compensation. Employment in Iowa Over 1.5 million people are employed in the state of Iowa, earning on average just under $42,000 a year. These and other occupational figures are held by the federal Bureau of Statistics, for which 2015 is the last full year of data currently available. Over 50% of all workers in Iowa are employed in 5 types of occupation. These are office work, production, sales and related occupations, food service, and transportation. Employees in Iowa may vary in type of employment and may have a low paid job or highly paid job, but the vast majority should be covered by workers’ compensation if they are hurt or become ill while at work. State Workers’ Comp Requirements for Employers in Iowa Iowa has strict workers’ compensation insurance laws. Basically, all employers must ensure they take out sufficient cover with a commercial carrier or self-insure if able to do so in case one or more of their employees is injured or becomes ill while at work. Compensation is designed to cover most of the medical costs and a majority of the earnings which may be lost because of absence at work. There are a few exceptions to the legal requirement to have cover. Iowa exemptions are relatively complex and cannot be covered by such a brief treatment, but include: Sole proprietors Independent contractors Relatives Some agricultural workers Anyone who is employed but receives less than $1,500 annually. Extra Information About Workers Comp Requirements in Iowa Employers who are exempt or sole proprietors may still opt to take out insurance, even if this is not a legal requirement. Workers’ comp insurance does have the benefit that it prevents employees from making a private claim against them. Employers who are not exempt but who fail to maintain insurance may be penalized by fines and / or criminal charges. They may also make themselves vulnerable to private litigation against them, which can lead to a higher amount of compensation, including, for instance, non-monetary payments. How an Iowa Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help You Make a Claim There are a number of reasons why you might turn to an Iowa workers’ comp. attorney for help. Your employer may have failed to take out insurance, your claim may be denied; the compensation payment may be inadequate or you find that the whole process is too complicated for you to handle, considering your injuries or illness.
