Workers Compensation in Nampa, 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 Nampa, Idaho workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Nampa, Idaho?
The Idaho Industrial Commission receives approximately 45,000 reports about workers injured on the job each year. Additionally, three dozen or more of those result in fatality. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the leading cause of workplace fatality was transportation incidents. In fact, about half of all fatal occupational injuries were caused by transportation incidents.
The City of Nampa has been known for its strong agricultural base. However, the city’s population has doubled in the past two decades, fueled by emerging industries, including transportation and warehousing. This growth can lead to an increase in workplace injuries in Nampa. For example, KTVB7 reported that OSHA cited the Amazon distribution center in Nampa in 2019 for unsafe workplace conditions.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Nampa, 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, every employer with at least one employee must have coverage. Consequently, almost all Nampa employees should be covered, starting on the first day of employment. Exceptions include domestic workers, such as nannies. Regardless of fault, injured Nampa employees can receive temporary and permanent disability benefits, medical care, and vocational retraining benefits. Mental-only injuries are covered in Nampa for restricted circumstances that fall outside the scope of normal employment.
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 Nampa, 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 Nampa, 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.
You must report your accident to your Nampa employer immediately. Otherwise, you may forfeit benefits if you wait longer than 60 days to report your injury. The employer then files a First Report of Injury with the Idaho Industrial Commission. Keep in mind, you have only one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer doesn’t have coverage, you should contact the Commission’s Employer Compliance Department. For workers in Nampa, the closest Commission Office is located in Caldwell.
Timeline and Other Information
For an injured Nampa employee, the Basic Income Benefit is about 67% of their average weekly wage. However, you may not receive benefits for the first 5 days of missed work, unless the time loss exceeds 14 days. If the claim is approved, you can receive your first check within 28 days of the injury. If the claim is denied, you can resolve the dispute through a formal hearing process by filing a Complaint with the Idaho Industrial Commission.
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 Nampa, Idaho Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Nampa, 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 Nampaworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Nampa, Idaho
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Nampa, 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!
