Supreme Court Decides Review-Reopening Case Involving Statute of Limitations Issues
In Coffey v. Mid Seven Transportation Co. , No. 11-1106 (Iowa May 10, 2013), claimant filed a review-reopening petition, which was found to be untimely by the commissioner and district court. The employee also requested reimbursement of certain post-arbitration medical expenses, which were also denied. Claimant originally had an injury to his left leg in 1994, and was unable to return to work following the injury. After working part time, claimant was ultimately found eligible for social security disability benefits. Prior to filing his workers' compensation claim, the employee had entered into a settlement with a third party for $275,000, of which he received $134,784.95 after payment of attorney's fees and medical costs. Claimant alleged in his workers' compensation claim that he had injured not only his leg, but his back. He also claimed that his post polio syndrome was aggravated by his injury. He was paid workers' compensation payments totaling $70...