A work injury may require extensive health care. If you live in a rural part of Iowa, though, that may not be so easy. Your doctor might be several driving hours away, and if there’s not a specialist in the next town or city, you might have to travel even further for your care. All of this travel adds up.
Can you be compensated for travel time to a doctor’s appointment? There’s a chance that you’re eligible for travel time benefits, which can help ease the financial stress from your work accident. Check out our resources to learn more about your options as an injured worker.
Typically, your employer and insurance company expect you to get treatment at their chosen doctor, which should be within a reasonable distance. However, your injuries might require a specialist, which may not be available in your area.
If you’re required to spend more to get your treatment, your medical benefits may cover your expenses. These benefits should cover all “reasonable and necessary” expenses for your care. That includes the cost of travel. Your workers comp lawyer may even be able to seek compensation for your lodging if you need to stay overnight for your medical appointment.
Typically, you should receive $0.535 per mile traveled, which can help you cover the expenses for your gas and maintenance for your car. That takes the pressure off you when you’re struggling to get care for your injuries.
When you find that you’ll need specialized care for your injuries, you may need to talk with your workers comp attorney about getting compensation in Iowa for your travel expenses. They can help you calculate the full worth of your injuries and other financial losses, which can add up quickly. The costs of traveling can be especially costly over time, but your attorney has the tools you need to add up that time.
This compensation should be based on the travel time necessary for your treatment, which your lawyer can help you estimate. For example, let’s say you’ll visit for an estimated six weeks. Your lawyer will use the number of appointments in that time and the miles you’ll need to travel for it. That way, you can make sure you’re getting the full coverage you need for your travel miles.
For those living outside a city center or even near a town, a work injury could mean that you’re going to do a lot of traveling in your future. Unfortunately, you might be worried about the costs of gas, bus fare, and other on-the-road expenses.
Luckily, your attorney at Pothitakis Law Firm, PC can help. Your Iowa workers comp lawyer can talk to you about what your benefits should include, including your travel time benefits. Your lawyer can also start with a free consultation, where we can discuss your options for a full recovery.
Start discussing benefits with your lawyer by calling 319-754-6400 or by visiting us online for more information.
For the last two decades, Nicholas Pothitakis has been making certain that the Iowans he represents get the support, resources, and money they deserve after being injured in an Iowa work or traffic accident. With offices in Burlington and Keokuk, Iowa, Mr. Pothitakis and his staff at the Pothitakis Law Firm are dedicated to fighting for the rights of their injured clients.... View full business profile here: Pothitakis Law Firm P.C.
