Iowa Workers' Compensation Laws

For occupational diseases, notice must be given within 90 days of the first distinct manifestation of the disease.

All employers with 1 or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Exceptions: household employees earning under $1,500/year, casual employees earning under $1,500/year, agricultural employees (employer payroll under $2,500/year), relatives of farm operators, and up to 4 corporate officers who elect out.

TTD rate: 80% of the worker's weekly spendable (after-tax) earnings, subject to the state-set maximum rate (updated annually July 1). Benefits continue until the employee returns to work or is medically capable of returning to substantially similar employment. 3-day waiting period; if disability exceeds 14 days, first 3 days are compensated retroactively.

The employer has the right and obligation to direct medical care. The employer chooses the authorized treating physician. The employer must pay for all reasonable medical expenses causally related to the injury. In emergencies, the employee may seek treatment from any provider.

Iowa recognizes a common-law tort of retaliatory discharge for employees terminated for filing workers' compensation claims. Based on the public policy embodied in § 85.18, which voids contracts that relieve employers from workers' compensation liability.

PPD benefits are based on scheduled losses (specific body parts have statutory weeks) or industrial disability (loss of earning capacity). Unscheduled injuries use an industrial disability analysis considering the worker's age, education, qualifications, experience, and ability to engage in similar employment.