Just Compensation for Neck, Back & Shoulder Injuries
- Free Initial Consultation
- NO Fee If You Don't Win!
- Over 167 Years of Combined Experience
- Millions Recovered For Injured Iowans
A Victory for Injured Workers!
Congratulations to Attorney Channing Dutton, partner at Lawyer, Lawyer, Dutton, Drake & Conklin, LLP, on behalf of his client, achieving the 1st Commissioner’s decision that expands benefits for injured Iowa workers that suffer shoulder injuries.
Workplace Neck, Back and Shoulder Injury Claims
Our Attorneys Truly Know Workers' Compensation Law
No matter where you live or work in Iowa, you can turn to the Iowa workers' compensation attorneys of Lawyer, Lawyer, Dutton, Drake & Conklin, LLP for help. We are a law firm that practices exclusively in workers' compensation and personal injury litigation. Our partners have 167 years of combined hands-on workers' comp claims experience. We have an excellent record of results helping thousands of injured workers from all over the state.
If you are suffering from a neck, back or shoulder injury that you believe is related to your work, you are entitled to apply for healing period benefits while you are temporarily out of work recovering from your disability.
You face an uphill battle. Joint, ligament and tendon pain can be difficult to prove, but you know how much your injury hurts. Don't count on your employer's workers' compensation insurance company to take your word for it — their attorneys only have the company's best interests in mind.
Insurance companies know that back injuries can result in lifelong medical problems. They will do what they can to steer you away from a full settlement. Don't let their workers' comp doctor tell you that you have sore back muscles when you know it could be something more serious, like a herniated disk. If you don't trust what the doctor is telling you; talk to us.
Help With Third-Party Injury Lawsuits
FREE Consultations
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck, Back & Shoulder Work Injuries in Iowa
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for a Neck, Back or Shoulder Injury That Developed Over Time?
Yes, a workplace injury does not always have to result from one sudden accident. Neck, back and shoulder conditions can sometimes develop gradually from repetitive job activities such as lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting or other physical work.
These are often referred to as cumulative or repetitive-trauma injuries. Establishing the connection between your work activities and your medical condition can be important, particularly when there was no single accident that caused the injury.
If you believe years or months of performing your job contributed to your condition, don't assume you cannot have an Iowa workers' compensation claim simply because you can't identify one specific moment when you were injured.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation If I Had Back, Neck or Shoulder Problems Before My Work Injury?
A pre-existing condition does not necessarily prevent you from receiving Iowa workers' compensation benefits.
A workplace injury or repetitive work activity may aggravate, accelerate or worsen an existing medical condition. The medical history and evidence connecting your current condition to your employment can become especially important in these cases.
Insurance companies may point to your previous back, neck or shoulder problems when questioning a claim. That's why it's important to accurately explain both your prior condition and what changed after the work injury.
Learn More at “Aggravate a Pre-Existing Condition?” page.
What If the Workers’ Compensation Doctor Says My Back or Shoulder Injury Isn't Serious?
If your symptoms continue but you're being told that your condition is minor or doesn't require additional treatment, you may have questions about what to do next.
Don't simply stop attending appointments or disregard medical advice on your own. Keep track of your symptoms, follow your medical restrictions, and communicate concerns about your condition and treatment.
Iowa workers' compensation law has specific rules concerning authorized medical care and options that may be available when there is a dispute over treatment. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can help you understand those options.
What If My Employer Wants Me to Return to Work but I Still Have Neck, Back or Shoulder Restrictions?
If your doctor has given you written work restrictions, it's important to understand exactly what those restrictions allow you to do.
Problems can arise when an employer describes a position as “light duty,” but the actual work requires lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching or other activities that appear to exceed your medical restrictions.
Don't simply quit your job, refuse work or ignore your doctor's restrictions without understanding how those decisions could affect your workers' compensation claim. Document your concerns and consider speaking with an Iowa workers' compensation attorney.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits May Be Available for a Serious Neck, Back or Shoulder Injury?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured Iowa worker may be entitled to benefits that address authorized medical treatment, time away from work while recovering, and certain permanent disability resulting from the injury.
Serious neck, back and shoulder injuries can sometimes require extensive treatment, including physical therapy, injections or surgery, and may result in permanent work limitations.
Before resolving a serious workers' compensation claim, it's important to understand the extent of your injury, your future medical needs and how any permanent limitations may affect your ability to work.
At Lawyer Lawyer Dutton Drake & Conklin LLP, we represent injured workers—not employers or insurance companies. The initial consultation is FREE.
Share On: