Workers Compensation in Idaho Falls, ID

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Idaho state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Idaho Falls, ID workers’ compensation insurance, and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Idaho?

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported a 2% increase in workplace fatalities from 2018 to 2019. In this report, auto accidents made up half of all the workplace fatalities in the state. This was followed by violent attacks, and then slip and fall accidents.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Idaho Falls, Idaho?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.

The Idaho Industrial Commission affirms that every employer with more than 1 employee in Idaho Falls is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for medical treatment and lost wages for employees injured in work-related incidents. In 2019, new legislation passed that recognizes PTSD in first responders as acceptable under worker’s comp.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Idaho Falls, ID are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from an Idaho Falls, ID healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

A timeline for filing your first injury report is laid out by Workplace Fairness Idaho. If you suffer an injury, you should report it to your employer as soon as possible. This is to establish the fact that your injury happened on-premises. Or hurt while performing a work-related task. After you report your injury you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can cause the injury to get worse, which will cost more in medical treatments and recovery time.  Once you have received treatment, it’s wise to ask the physician for 2 copies of the report. Keep 1 copy for yourself, and give one copy to your employer.

Timeline and Other Information

Once you have filed your claim in Idaho Falls, your insurance carrier will have 15 days from the time they received written notice to make a decision to approve or deny the claim. If approved, the minimum payment for Total Temporary Disability in Texas is $286.20 per week. This amounts to 45% of the state average weekly wage. The maximum payment is $707.40 per week.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire an Idaho Falls, Idaho Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether your injury happened on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring an Idaho Falls workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Idaho Falls, Idaho

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Idaho Falls, ID you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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