Opinion ID: 2077250
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Whether United Fire's Due Process Rights were Violated

Text: Finally, United Fire argues the commissioner violated its constitutional right to due process when it considered the 1987 injury. We review constitutional claims de novo. Consumer Advocate v. Commerce Comm'n, 465 N.W.2d 280, 281 (Iowa 1991). United Fire did not participate in the hearing. It claims it had a right to notice and an opportunity to defend against Ayers's claim for additional workers' compensation benefits for the 1987 injury. See Carr v. Iowa Employment Sec. Comm'n, 256 N.W.2d 211, 214 (Iowa 1977) (stating the essential elements of due process are notice and an opportunity to defend). However, the insurer does not have a statutory or constitutional right to notice from the employee. The employee is only required to notify the employer of his claim. Iowa Code §§ 85.24, .24. The commissioner correctly stated any obligation to notify United Fire was that of D & N's. See id. § 87.10. The district court aptly held: Whether United Fire & Casualty Company must pay the medical expenses is not an issue which should be a concern for [Ayers]. He is entitled to compensation and any dispute between his employer and the employer's insurance companies should not be a basis for delaying his rights. We agree. The commissioner did not violate United Fire's due process rights.