Commission to Fine Parties to Last-Minute Work Comp Settlements

Iowa’s Division of Workers’ Compensation will soon levy late-settlement fines on both claimants and defendants in an effort to cut back on wasted time, money and effort caused when hearings are canceled at the last minute. By order of the commissioner, beginning July 1, new settlements must be reported to both the division and the deputy commissioner assigned to the case no fewer than 24 hours before a hearing’s scheduled start time. Those who miss the deadline will be fined a total of $300 for both parties, split 50-50 unless they reach a different arrangement. The fi...