Worker Establishes Entitlement to Commutation of Future PTD Benefits

The Iowa Court of Appeals ruled that a permanently and totally disabled worker was entitled to a commutation of his future benefit payments to pay off his house and invest. Case: United Fire & Casualty Co. v. Hessenius, No. 19-1929, 12/16/2020, published. Facts: James Hessenius worked for Great Plains Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc. Great Plains had workers’ compensation insurance with the United Fire & Casualty Co. when Hessenius suffered an injury to his shoulder. Hessenius then began receiving permanent total disability benefits of $1,300 a week from United. Procedural hi...