Iowa Meat Packing Company Injuries
August 31, 2023 | Workers' compensation
Working in the meat processing industry isn’t easy. Workers not work for long hours at physical jobs but are also exposed to a wide variety of hazards on a day to day basis. Workers in meat packing companies are especially at high risk of being injured. Fortunately, Iowa, like many other states, has a workers compensation system. This system ensures that workers injured while at work or performing job related tasks are compensated for the damages they incur.
The Hazards of Working in Meat Packing Companies
Meat packing companies make it to news headlines once in a while in Iowa and people are shocked by the conditions that workers in these companies have to contend with on a day to day basis. Workers in meat packing hazards are surrounded by a wide variety of hazards including:
- Falling objects including carcasses
- Slippery floors
- Sharp power tools including air-powered knives
- Repetitive stress injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Injuries from lifting heavy objects
Why Injured Iowa Meat Packing Workers Should See a Workers Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured while working in a meat processing company, you may be wondering what to do next. You may have several questions about your rights and options. We strongly advise you to seek the counsel of an experienced and reputable workman’s compensation attorney. While Iowa’s laws do not require you to hire an experienced attorney when seeking workers comp benefits, there are many benefits of doing so:
- You will learn about your rights
While lay workers are meant to be able to pursue workers compensation benefits on their own, many workers in Iowa find that the process and the laws surrounding it are actually more complex than they appear. It helps to have an experienced legal professional guiding and representing you. Your attorney will explain your rights to you. They will help you understand your situation from a legal perspective. They will guide you through the entire process so you can avoid common pitfalls.
- An Attorney will help you maximize your compensation
It isn’t uncommon for meat packing companies and the insurance companies that represent them to try and minimize the amount paid as compensation to injured workers. Many injured workers in the meatpacking industry don’t know any better. They don’t know how much their cases are worth and settle for less than they are entitled to receive as compensation.
Having an experienced attorney fighting in your corner will help you avoid this mistake. Your attorney will review your case and identify all the damages you are eligible to recover. They will determine the value of your case and fight to ensure that you receive just compensation.
- Your attorney will represent you in case of a dispute
Even cases that seem straightforward can become complicated quickly especially when large sums of money are involved. For example, the insurance company may dispute the severity of the injuries or the need for your medical treatment plan. They may do this to minimize their losses. It helps to have an attorney representing you. Your attorney can help to resolve these disputes and advocate on your behalf. They will fight to protect your rights and safeguard your best interests.
- Your attorney will help you pursue a third party claim
Workers in Iowa can pursue a third-party claim even after receiving workers compensation benefits. If you’re work injury was caused by a third party i.e. a party other than your employer or a co-worker, you may be eligible to pursue additional compensation through a third party lawsuit. An experienced attorney will assess your case. They will investigate the circumstances of your case to identify the liable party or parties. They will help you determine whether you are eligible to seek compensation through a third party claim and represent you in doing so.
- Your attorney will protect you against retaliation
It isn’t uncommon for meat packing companies to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers compensation claim. However, this is quite illegal. If you are concerned about your employer’s potential retaliation, you should talk to an attorney. Your attorney can help to protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly at work. They will take action against your employer if they do retaliate.
- Your attorney will handle appeals and denials
There are cases where workers comp claims are denied. An attorney can help you with the appeals process. They will help you gather evidence and make an application to appeal the decision. They will support you and fight on your behalf to recover the compensation that you rightly deserve.
Do you work in a meat packing company in Iowa? Have you been injured while at work or carrying out work related activities? Contact us to schedule free consultation with an experienced workman’s compensation attorney. We’d be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Iowa Meat Packing Company Injuries