2026 IOWA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
H.F. 450 (Senate companion bill listed as S.F. 454) - A bill relating to the standards for determination of loss or permanent impairment for purposes of PPD, including applicability provisions. Explanation: Under the current structure, determinations of the extent of...
NEBRASKA’S MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT RATE TO INCREASE TO $1,166.00
The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court has announced that the maximum weekly income benefit under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act will increase to $1,166.00 for work-related injuries and illnesses occurring on or after January 1, 2026. The previous maximum...
IOWA COURT OF APPEALS DETERMINES THAT SKIN INJURIES INVOLVING MULTIPLE SCHEDULED MEMBERS DO NOT ENTITLE CLAIMANTS TO AN ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DISABILITY IN LAGUERRE V. JBS USA HOLDINGS, INC.
Recently, the Iowa Court of Appeals rejected a claimant’s argument that skin injuries to multiple scheduled members should be measured on an industrial basis. Essentially, in 2017, changes were made to ICA 85.34(2), which details scheduled members. The theory is that...
CELEBRATING COLLABORATION, LEARNING, AND GIVING BACK IN NEBRASKA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
At the end of October, our Workers’ Compensation team had the privilege of participating in a full slate of events centered on professional growth, connection, and community impact. From educational sessions to charitable giving, it was a memorable few days...
IOWA SUPREME COURT: FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT APPLIES DESPITE EMPLOYEE RESIGNATION
The Iowa Supreme Court has clarified an issue in workers’ compensation law: if an injured worker returns to work with the same employer and earns the same or greater wages than before their injury—and then subsequently resigns—their compensation is limited to...
Golf with Purpose: Supporting Scholarships for Nebraska Kids
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Kids’ Chance of Nebraska will host its 12th Annual Golf Outing at Iron Horse Golf Club in Ashland. More than just a day on the course, the four-person scramble raises funds for college scholarships supporting children whose parents or...
Professional Spotlight: Mikayla Hoffmann Featured in May/June NSBA Magazine
We are delighted to announce that our attorney, Mikayla L. Hoffmann, is featured on page 54 of the current Nebraska State Bar Association Magazine (May/June 2025 issue). The Q&A not only highlights Mikayla's recent achievements but also provides insight into her...
NEBRASKA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – 2025 SESSION RECAP
The first session of the 109th Legislature recently adjourned. There were a number of bills introduced that dealt with the workers' compensation system in Nebraska. LB 313, introduced by Senator Ibach (Sumner), dealt with subrogation and would modify the current...
IOWA PENALTY STATUTE BREAKDOWN
Under the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Act employers and carriers must have a reasonable basis to deny a claim. Often times this rule gets talked about in the context of the common law tort actions for bad faith, but it is also important to remember that this rule also...
2025 NEBRASKA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BURIAL BENEFIT INCREASE
As of July 1, 2025, the burial benefit under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act is set to increase to $11,900.00. This benefit applies upon the death of an employee resulting from personal injuries as defined in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-151. The burial benefit is...