May 20, 2025 | Workers' compensation

When you’re injured at work, you’re top priority should be to seek medical care. It is important to access medical care as soon as possible after the incident in order to ensure your safety as well as to avoid complications. Seeking immediate medical care is also a vital step in the workers compensation claims process. You will need your medical records to prove that you suffered a work related injury.

Seeking medical care after a workplace injury should be easy. It’s as simple as going to a health facility, isn’t it? When it comes to the workers’ compensation system, several factors must be considered when seeking medical care. You may otherwise forfeit the benefits you’re entitled to.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

After a workplace injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is not only important for your health but also for your claim. Delays may undermine your claim. Insurance companies may argue that late treatment means that the injury wasn’t serious or worse, was not work-related. The following are important steps to take after a workplace injury.

• Report the injury to your employer

This should be done as soon as possible and preferably in writing. It’s good to do this within 1 or 2 days of the incident. This step gets the workers’ compensation claims process going. In Iowa, your employer will have 90 days following your report to file their report.

• Seek medical care

This is true even if your injuries don’t seem that serious. Some injuries may become more apparent days after the incident. Delays can hurt your health as well as your case.

• Document everything

It is important to have documented evidence of the injury, how it happened, your symptoms, medical visits, witnesses and communications with your employer or insurer. Take photos, videos and keep documents and receipts. They will all play a crucial role in building your case.

Choosing a Healthcare Provider – What You Need to Know

Under Iowa’s Workers’ compensation laws, your employer (or their insurance provider) has the right to choose the initial treating physician. This means that you will be required to see a healthcare provider within the insurance provider’s network in order to access medical care for your injuries following the workplace accident. However, you also have other options. Below we explore these options.

• Employer/Insurance-directed providers

This is a doctor or healthcare provider chosen by your employer or insurance provider. Using healthcare providers on your insurance/employer’s network raises various concerns including:

• The insurance-appointed doctor controls your diagnosis and treatment plan. They may underestimate the severity of your injury. Their treatment recommendations may prioritize cost-saving over care. It is not uncommon for workers to feel rushed or dismissed during appointments.
• You may have limited access to specialists or second opinions

• Requesting a change of doctor

If you are unsatisfied with the employer or insurance appointed doctor, you can request a change of doctor. However, your employer or insurer must approve this change. If they fail to do so, you will need to file a petition with the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner to request the change.

• Seeking a second option (IME)

If there is a disagreement about your diagnosis, treatment or level of disability, you or the insurer may request an independent medical exam (IME). This, however, is not for treatment. An IME is a one-time evaluation by an independent doctor. The doctor is chosen and paid by the insurance provider. The IME can be requested by the employer/insurer or the claimant (injured worker).

The IME may be used to:

• Challenge the treating physician’s opinion
• Challenge your impairment rating when you’ve reached maximum medical improvement
• Influence whether your claim should be approved, denied or reduced
• Force you to return to work despite not having fully recovered

It is important to be especially conscious of your words, actions and demeanor during an IME. These will all be scrutinized and will contribute to the conclusions drawn. It is important to prepare and receive legal guidance prior to the appointment.

Protect Your Health and Your Rights

If you’ve been injured at work, it is important to not only protect your health but also your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney will help to ensure that you understand your rights and make informed decisions.

At High & Younes Attorneys, LLC, we’re committed to fighting on behalf of injured workers. We’ll fight to ensure you not only access the medical care you need but also the benefits you deserve. Don’t hesitate to schedule free consultation with an experienced attorney at our law firm. We’d be glad to review your case.

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