DWC is a neutral tribunal
The Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) is a State of Iowa government agency that:
- Administers the Iowa workers' compensation system
- Serves as the neutral tribunal in Iowa workers' compensation cases
DWC will work to ensure that all parties get a fair hearing regardless of whether the party is represented by an attorney.
DWC cannot:
- Give legal advice to parties
- Represent a party
- Refer a party to an attorney
You should seriously consider getting legal advice or representation if you are a party to a workers' compensation case.
Right to Legal Representation
All parties in contested cases before DWC have the right to legal representation at the party's own expense. Parties are not entitled to appointed counsel at state expense in Iowa work comp cases.
Parties are not required to be represented by an attorney in work comp cases. You should be aware that the other party or parties may be represented by a lawyer in private practice, an assistant attorney general, city attorney, or other representative. You should seriously consider getting legal advice or representation if you are a party to a work comp case.
Resources for finding an attorney
DWC cannot give referrals to private attorneys, but the following sources may be useful in getting legal advice or representation from a private attorney:
Iowa Supreme Court Directory of Licensed Lawyers
Iowa State Bar Association Find-A-Lawyer Service or (800) 532-1108
Lawyers.com Directory of Iowa Lawyers by Martindale-Hubbell
Findlaw Directory of Iowa Lawyers by Thompson Reuters
Iowa Association of Workers' Compensation Lawyers — Directory of Member Attorneys
Iowa Association for Justice (IAJ) — Directory of Member Attorneys