Workers Compensation in Meridian, 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 Meridian, Idaho workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Meridian, Idaho?
The National Safety Council reports that most Meridian workplace injuries are the result of overexertion, falls, and equipment injuries. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that transportation injuries result in the most workplace fatalities. The Meridian industries with the most injuries are construction, transportation, and agriculture. While some injuries are minor, may result in significant medical expenses and time off work.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Meridian, 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.
According to the Idaho Industrial Commission, almost all employers in Idaho must carry workers’ compensation insurance. The few exceptions include employers of domestic workers, real estate agents on commission, and volunteer ski patrollers. The insurance covers medical care, death benefits, and some travel costs. Furthermore, your employer can designate a physician or allow you to choose your own. If a Meridian employee will miss more than 5 days of work, they can also receive compensation for lost wages. This compensation is paid at 67% of regular wages, up to a maximum benefit of $757 per week for 2021 and $817 for 2022.
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 Meridian, Idaho 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 a Meridian, Idaho 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.
Idaho Legislation requires Meridian employees to provide written notice of their injury to their employer as soon as possible. In addition, if the employee waits more than 60 days, they lose their right to a claim. Once the employer knows about the injury, they have 10 days to report it to the Idaho Industrial Commission. If an employee does not receive compensation, they have 1 year to request a hearing.
Timeline and Other Information
For the first year, disability benefits in Meridian are a percentage of the worker’s actual wage. After that, the benefits are a percentage of the average state wage. Under Idaho Statutes, the type and seriousness of the disability determine the length of time for the benefits. If benefits end prematurely, the employee can request a hearing with the Commission. However, the employee must make the request within 5 years of the injury or 1 year from the last payment.
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 a Meridian, Idaho Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Meridian, Idaho, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Meridianworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Meridian, Idaho
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Meridian, Idaho 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!
