Time Limitations

There are multiple time limitations under Iowa workers' compensation law.

Notice to Employer of Work Injury

The employer must have notice or knowledge of an alleged work injury within 90 days of its occurrence.

This period begins when the worker knew or should have known the injury arose from employment.

If notice isn't given within 90 days, benefits may be denied.

Reporting Work Injury

An employer must file a First Report of Injury (FROI) with the Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) within four days of notice or knowledge of an alleged work injury.

FROI must be filed if the injury results in:

Time lost from work of more than three days,
Permanent injury, or
Death.

Filing a Petition for Unpaid Disability Benefits

A worker must file a WCD petition within two years of the date of injury if no disability benefits have been paid. Failure to do so may result in denial of benefits.

Filing a Petition for Additional Benefits

If a worker has been paid benefits, they have three years from the last payment of weekly benefits to receive additional benefits or file an action with WCD.

Failure to file within this period may result in denial of benefits, except for medical expenses reasonably necessary for treating the injury.