IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN IOWA

Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commission issued an Order noting that for any in person hearings scheduled between March 18, 2020 through “at least” June 16, 2020, the same shall be done telephonically and no longer in person. Essentially, in an effort to prevent contact, the Commission has indicated that the hearings during this period will all be telephonic. The parties do have the option of attempting to continue the same but any hearing that is continued will have to occur before December 18, 2020 and be held in Des Moines, Iowa.

The practical effect of the same is that if there will be witnesses, any and all will have to appear telephonically along with counsel. If the parties believe that assessment of demeanor is necessary thus requiring an in person hearing, they will have to move the Commission to continue the trial.

If you have any questions regarding Iowa workers’ compensation please don’t hesitate to contact Iowa workers’ compensation lawyers Caroline Westerhold or Paul Barta at (402)475-1075.