Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Iowa
The deadlines to report a work injury and file a claim in Iowa, how to file, and how to appeal a denial.
Short answer: The employer must have notice or knowledge of the work injury within 90 days of when the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. If notice is not given within 90 days, benefits may be denied. Iowa Code §§ 85.23, 85.24; DIAL Workers' Compensation Division, Time Limitations
| Deadline to report the injury | The employer must have notice or knowledge of the work injury within 90 days of when the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. If notice is not given within 90 days, benefits may be denied. No particular form of notice is required. |
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| Deadline to file a claim | If no weekly disability benefits have been paid, the worker must file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Division within two years of the date of injury (the date the worker knew or should have known it was work-related). If weekly benefits have been paid, the worker has three years from the last weekly payment to seek additional benefits. |
| How to file | Give your employer notice of the injury within 90 days. The employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division within four days of notice if the injury causes more than three days of lost time, permanent injury or death. If benefits are not paid, file a petition with the Division (cases are handled through the Workers' Compensation Electronic System, WCES). The Division is a neutral body and does not give legal advice. |
| Appealing a denial | Contested cases are heard by deputy workers' compensation commissioners. A party aggrieved by a deputy's decision may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Commissioner within the time and manner set by agency rule; the commissioner may affirm, modify, reverse or send the case back. After the agency's final decision, a party may seek judicial review in the courts. |
| Filing or checking a claim online | In Iowa, employers file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) within four days after notice or knowledge of an alleged injury that causes temporary disability longer than three days, permanent disability or death; reports are filed online through EDI, and filing does not admit liability. Workers' Compensation Division: 515-725-4120 or toll-free 800-645-4583. |
Where to get help in Iowa
More Iowa workers' compensation
- How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Iowa
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Iowa
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Iowa
- Suing Over a Work Injury in Iowa
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Iowa
- All Iowa workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How long do you have to report a work injury in Iowa?
The employer must have notice or knowledge of the work injury within 90 days of when the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. If notice is not given within 90 days, benefits may be denied. No particular form of notice is required.
What is the deadline to file a workers' comp claim in Iowa?
If no weekly disability benefits have been paid, the worker must file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Division within two years of the date of injury (the date the worker knew or should have known it was work-related). If weekly benefits have been paid, the worker has three years from the last weekly payment to seek additional benefits.
How do you file a workers' comp claim in Iowa?
Give your employer notice of the injury within 90 days. The employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division within four days of notice if the injury causes more than three days of lost time, permanent injury or death. If benefits are not paid, file a petition with the Division (cases are handled through the Workers' Compensation Electronic System, WCES). The Division is a neutral body and does not give legal advice.
How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Iowa?
Contested cases are heard by deputy workers' compensation commissioners. A party aggrieved by a deputy's decision may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Commissioner within the time and manner set by agency rule; the commissioner may affirm, modify, reverse or send the case back. After the agency's final decision, a party may seek judicial review in the courts.
How do I file or check a workers' comp claim online in Iowa?
In Iowa, employers file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) within four days after notice or knowledge of an alleged injury that causes temporary disability longer than three days, permanent disability or death; reports are filed online through EDI, and filing does not admit liability. Workers' Compensation Division: 515-725-4120 or toll-free 800-645-4583.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.