Court Says Employer Should Have Authorized Alternate Care for Injured Worker

The Iowa Court of Appeals upheld a determination that an employer should have authorized alternate care for an injured worker. Graciela DeMaldonado worked as a custodian for the Waterloo Community School District. In 2017, she fell at work and injured her back, hips, legs, and knees. DeMaldonado later alleged that she developed anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. After several years of treatment, DeMaldonado petitioned the Workers' Compensation Commission for alternate care. She said she was dissatisfied with the care provided because the school district refused to authorize pain...