It is important for anyone who suffers an injury while on-the-job to realize that time is not their friend. In Iowa, recent significant legislative changes in 2017 directly impact when an injured worker can move forward with a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
What were the changes to the system in 2017?
In 2017, lawmakers adjusted the timeline for when a worker can file for workers’ compensation benefits. This timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. In the context of workers’ compensation in Iowa the statute of limitations is generally two years.
The clock starts ticking from the date the employee knew or should have known the injury was work-related.
The 2017 amendment to Iowa’s workers’ compensation law clarified the start of the statute of limitations period. More specifically:
- Definition of “date of the occurrence of the injury” as the date an employee becomes aware or should become aware of the work-related nature of the injury; and
- The distinction between knowing the injury is work-related and understanding its seriousness or compensable nature.
This amendment plays a pivotal role in how courts evaluate cases in Iowa.
How does this impact a workers’ compensation claim in Iowa?
A recent case involving a family farm worker highlights the application of these legal principles. The worker suffered injuries while working, leading to a complex legal dispute over the timeliness of his workers’ compensation claim. An initial injury to the worker’s elbow and subsequent complications t the surrounding muscles led to delayed understanding of the injury’s full impact.
The parties disagreed over the application of the discovery rule, which traditionally allowed tolling of the statute of limitations until the injury’s seriousness and compensable nature were known.
The Iowa Supreme Court’s decision emphasized the amended statute, ruling that the worker’s claim was untimely as he knew of the work-related nature of his injury more than two years before filing for benefits.
This case underscores the importance of promptly addressing work-related injuries and understanding the legal framework governing workers’ compensation claims in Iowa. Workers must be vigilant about the timelines and ensure they act within the statutory limits to preserve their rights to compensation. Awareness and timely action are key in navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims following legislative changes.
If you have questions about the timeline for reporting your work-related injury, do not delay. Waiting to get your questions answered can compromise your right to benefits. Call Platt Law Firm today and talk to an Iowa Workers Compensation professional to better understand your rights at 515-278-1522.