Iowa's economy runs on agriculture, manufacturing, meatpacking, warehousing, and construction — industries with serious injury risks. Injured workers may have a workers' compensation claim, and in many cases a separate third-party injury claim worth far more.
Workers' Comp vs. Third-Party Claims
Iowa workers' compensation provides medical care and wage benefits regardless of fault, but it does not pay for pain and suffering and often undervalues serious injuries. Importantly, when someone other than your employer caused your injury — a negligent driver, a property owner, or a defective-equipment manufacturer — you may also bring a third-party personal injury claim for the full range of damages.
Identifying a viable third-party claim can dramatically increase a worker's total recovery.
Common Iowa Workplace Injuries
Agricultural and grain-handling accidents, machinery and equipment injuries, falls from heights, repetitive-motion injuries, vehicle and forklift crashes, and chemical exposure are common across Iowa industries. Meatpacking and manufacturing plants present their own serious hazards.
These incidents can cause amputations, crush injuries, burns, back and spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Protecting Your Rights
Report your injury promptly, follow medical advice, and document everything. Be cautious about statements to insurers. An attorney can ensure your workers' comp benefits are correct and investigate whether a third party is also responsible.
Call 973-566-5599 for a free, confidential review of your Iowa workplace injury.
Injured in Iowa? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. The attorneys in our network work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fee unless they recover compensation for you. Your case review is always free and completely confidential.
Often yes. While workers' compensation generally bars suing your employer, you can pursue a third-party claim against another negligent party — such as a driver, a property owner, or an equipment manufacturer — for the full range of damages including pain and suffering.
Iowa's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury under Iowa Code § 614.1(2). Claims against a city, county, or the state are governed by separate notice rules and shorter deadlines, so it is important to act quickly before evidence disappears.
Iowa uses a modified comparative fault rule under Iowa Code § 668.3. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, though your award is reduced by your own percentage of fault. Many people who assume they have no case are surprised to learn they can still recover.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Iowa attorney.