Food Service Worker Injured in Iowa?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Iowa DWC regulations
Reviewed by: James R. Holloway, Esq.
Workers' Compensation Attorney · CA Bar #248701 · 14 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your head & brain injury (tbi) claim is worth. Iowa workers typically receive $10,000–$75,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$10,000
Avg low
$75,000
Avg high
2 years
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $640/week
80%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,994
max weekly benefit
25%
typical attorney fee
2
filing deadline
Iowa Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: Iowa Code § 85.1 et seq.
TTD rate: 80% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,994
Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 90 days
Key features of Iowa's system:
- ✓ 80% of spendable (after-tax) earnings for TTD
- ✓ High statutory body-part schedule values
- ✓ Second Injury Fund for workers with prior industrial disability
Iowa's Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) administers the program. Iowa provides an 80% TTD rate on spendable earnings (take-home pay after taxes), which produces a different calculation than most states' pre-tax gross wage methods. Iowa uses AMA Guides for impairment ratings. Iowa's statutory schedule for body parts is among the most generous in the country, with very high week values for permanent partial disabilities.
What to Expect with Head & Brain Injury (TBI) in Iowa
25%
Average impairment rating
$85,000
Average medical costs
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) represent some of the most complex and high-value workers' compensation claims. Even mild TBI (concussion) can produce persistent post-concussion syndrome — headaches, cognitive impairment, light sensitivity, and emotional dysregulation — that prevents return to skilled work for extended periods. Moderate and severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive deficits, seizure disorders, and the need for long-term care. TBI claims require multidisciplinary documentation from neurologists, neuropsychologists, and occupational therapists. Average settlement values for significant TBI are well above $100,000 and can exceed $1 million in severe cases with permanent total disability. Falls from elevation (construction) and vehicle accidents are the leading causes of work-related TBI.
Common treatments
- ✓ Acute hospitalization and neurosurgical evaluation
- ✓ CT and MRI neuroimaging
- ✓ Neuropsychological testing (baseline and follow-up)
- ✓ Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- ✓ Occupational therapy for daily living skills
- ✓ Psychiatric treatment for mood disorders and PTSD
Documentation needed
- ✓ Emergency room and hospital records
- ✓ CT scan and brain MRI reports
- ✓ Neuropsychologist evaluation reports
- ✓ Neurologist treatment notes
- ✓ Witness statements and incident report
- ✓ Pre-injury employment and academic records (for cognitive comparison)
Frequently asked questions
How is head & brain injury (tbi) compensation calculated in Iowa?
In Iowa, your weekly benefit is 80% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,994. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average head & brain injury (tbi) settlement in Iowa?
Iowa workers with head & brain injury (tbi) typically settle between $10,000 and $75,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Iowa?
2 years from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Iowa?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 25% of settlement.
Other Iowa Workers' Comp Claims
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.