Employer not on the Hook for the Cost of Counseling Claimant's Caretaker Wife

The Iowa Court of Appeals on Wednesday ruled that the employer of a severely injured worker cannot be held liable for the cost of individualized counseling sessions to the employee's wife, to help her cope with her husband's condition and be better equipped to serve as his primary care-taker. Iowa Code Section 85.27 obligates an employer to provide only the treatment necessary for "an injured employee," the court said. Although providing therapy to Amy Hoyt might indirectly benefit her husband, Craig, the court ruled that Craig's employer was not obligated to pay for the...