You get hurt on the job, and suddenly you’re facing more than just physical pain. Dealing with a workplace injury can bring a huge emotional and financial strain on you and your family. Bills pile up, and you understandably worry about your future. You deserve a clear path forward when your life gets turned upside down.
That’s where I, Iowa workers’ compensation attorney Nick Platt of Platt Law Firm PC, step in. Born and raised near the Urbandale-Des Moines area, I have a deep connection to the state and a comprehensive understanding of workers’ compensation law. My commitment is simple: I promise to treat you with compassion, act with integrity and fight to ensure you receive the care and benefits you deserve.
Experienced, honest and aggressive representation
I dedicate my practice to helping people like you. For over 15 years, I have focused my legal career on workers’ compensation claims. I spend my time fighting back against insurance providers to secure the necessary medical treatment and compensation for my clients.
I founded my firm on one principle: a steadfast commitment to your best interests. My role is to guide you through the confusing workers’ compensation system, reducing the risk of costly errors and ensuring that integrity remains central to your entire claim. My actions are guided by other fundamental guidelines, including:
- I understand the weight of what you are going through.
- I work diligently to protect your rights, allowing you to focus on healing from your injuries.
When facing employers and insurance companies with deep pockets, you need an advocate who will stand up for you, especially when they seek to deny your claim or reduce the compensation you deserve. I am ready to take on that fight.
Know your rights: A guide to workers’ compensation benefits
Iowa designed its workers’ compensation system to help injured workers get back on their feet. This system offers core benefits to you following a work-related injury. These benefits include coverage for medical treatment and wage replacement.
Wage replacement benefits can come in several forms, depending on the situation, including:
- Death benefits
- Permanent total disability (PTD)
- Permanent partial disability (PPD)
- Temporary total disability (TTD)
- Temporary partial disability (TPD)
- Healing period (HP)
Workers’ comp covers a wide range of injuries, including fractures, concussions and conditions aggravated by your job. The state calculates your benefit amount using your average gross weekly earnings, subject to state maximums and minimums.
Pursuing a workers’ comp claim: Essential steps and deadlines
After a work-related injury, taking the correct initial steps is crucial. You must notify your employer immediately, both verbally and in writing. The law generally requires this notice within 90 days of the injury or when you should have known the injury was work-related.
Next, seek medical attention immediately and keep detailed records of all your appointments and treatments. You should seek skilled legal help early, well before formally filing a claim, which helps you strictly follow all necessary deadlines.
For example, you must file a petition for benefits within two years if no weekly benefits have been paid. If you received weekly benefits, you typically have three years from the last payment to seek additional benefits.
Serving Iowans statewide: A commitment to community
While my firm is based in Urbandale, my commitment extends far beyond the Des Moines area. As a diligent Iowa workers’ compensation attorney, I serve clients across the entire state. I understand the risks faced in many common Iowa industries, such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture and health care. Whether you are in central, northern, eastern or western Iowa, my legal guidance is available to you. I am here to serve the entire workforce of Iowa.
My mission is to use my experience to help injured workers maximize their medical benefits and compensation. Don’t face the insurance company alone. You have rights, and I will fight to protect them. Take the first step toward getting the help you need. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation by calling 515-346-6659 to discuss your case. You can also reach me through the intake form on our website. Se habla español.