Polk County v. Steinbach

McCORMICK, Justice.

We hold that a person who participates in a county work program to repay the county for general relief assistance may be an employee of the county for workers’ compensation purposes. Respondent Lavern Steinbach was injured while working to repay Polk County for a $75 rent voucher. The county denied he was an employee, and he initiated claim proceedings. The industrial commissioner awarded him benefits, and the county petitioned for judicial review. The district court reversed the commissioner, and Steinbach appealed. We reverse and remand.

Principles governing our review are…