When a work injury results in a permanent impairment, a permanent restriction, or an inability to earn wages similar to those earned before your injury, an injured employee may be entitled to Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. If your injury is to a scheduled member – an arm, hand, finger, toe or other member –… Read More »
Workers’ Comp for Car Accidents During the Commute
In a January 4 Letter of Interpretation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) directed employers to record certain commuting injuries as “tasks that are conditions of employment”. Typically if a worker is injured in a motor vehicle accident during the normal commute to and from work, it is not considered a work related and… Read More »
Highway Construction Zone Accident Liability
Over the summer months, many will travel by car to their favorite vacation spots or to attend family reunions in distant towns or across state lines. Unfortunately, the journey there may not all be smooth sailing as roadside construction on highways and interstates is in full swing creating hazards for motorists and construction zone workers… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation Scheduled Injuries
When you are injured at work, you may be entitled to disability benefits while you recover. Scheduled injuries – typically injuries to the extremities – translate into a maximum number of weeks of benefits for injured workers. The amount of benefits an employee will receive depends on various factors such as the employee’s average weekly… Read More »
Industrial Fire and Explosion at Iowa Plant
Firefighters responded to a fire at the Archer Daniels Midland plant over the weekend after a report of smoldering material in a silo storage bin. Unfortunately, despite efforts to stabilize the scene, an explosion occurred killing one firefighter and critically injuring another. According to the fire chief, an investigation is underway and is “expected to… Read More »
Quad Cities Workers’ Compensation
All too many American workers lose their lives, health, their livelihoods or their ability to fully engage in everyday activities we all take for granted after being injured at work. In 2016 alone, over 5, 000 workers lost their lives and nearly 3 million workers suffered non-fatal injuries and illnesses due to unsafe conditions or… Read More »
Work Zone Accident Prevention
The annual National Work Zone Awareness Week, taking place this week April 9-13, emphasizes work zone safety to protect workers and motorists alike. This year’s theme, “Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility”, is an effort at the state level to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of driving safely around work zones while educating roadside… Read More »
Gross Negligence Found in Ladder Fall Death
“If you are going to be the supervisor, then lead” was the sentiment after a jury found an Iowa City landlord guilty of gross negligence in the death of an employee and ordered him to pay $5.6 million in damages to the family. The forty-year-old victim and father of three died after falling 12 feet… Read More »
Trench Collapse Accidents Are Preventable
Excavation and trenching are known to be very hazardous, which is why there are numerous safety requirements companies must follow when work is performed. Generally, if employees will be working in trenches four feet deep or more, there must be protective systems in place to prevent dirt sides from caving in. Among other safety requirements,… Read More »
Employees Push Back on Arbitration Agreements | Wrongful Termination Lawyers
More and more companies are turning to arbitration agreements to thwart employees from bringing legal challenges in court. Big and small companies are requiring employees to sign arbitration clauses in what is seen as a process often lopsided in favor of the employer. Not going down without a fight, some employees are pushing back. Recently… Read More »