A work-related illness or accident could be catastrophic, especially if it requires a lengthy absence from work. Fortunately, workers’ compensation exists to offer financial support in such situations. Employees who contract diseases or sustain injuries at work are compensated by workers’ compensation, a no-fault insurance plan. This article seeks to expound on workers’ compensation in Idaho:
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Idaho
The Idaho Industrial Commission (IIC) oversees workers’ compensation and resolves disputes between injured workers, employers, and insurers. The state’s workers’ compensation insurance protects most employees in Idaho, with a few notable exceptions like independent contractors, domestic workers, and business owners without employees.
Employers can secure workers’ compensation insurance coverage from private insurance firms, the state insurance fund, the assigned risk pool, or self-insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance must be set up when the first employee begins working in the business.
How does Workers’ Compensation Work?
The workers compensation in Idaho program covers employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases for various medical expenses. These are the series of events in the event of a work-related injury or illness:
- The injury should be reported to the employer immediately or within sixty days.
- A physician or other healthcare professional recommended by the employer or insurer treats the injuries or illness.
- The employee should submit the workers’ compensation claim to the IIC within one year of the incident.
- The legitimacy of the claim and whether the illness or injury is work-related will be determined by the IIC’s investigation.
- The employee will receive benefits under workers’ compensation if the claim is approved.
The illness or injury should be thoroughly documented and reported to the employer, who will then file a claim with the insurance provider. The employee may appeal to the IIC if the insurer rejects the claim.
What Workers’ Compensation in Idaho Covers
The Idaho legislature has established provisions for the financial compensation that an injured worker may get. They include:
- Medical Benefits: paying for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription costs for a work-related illness or accident.
- Wage Replacement Benefits: provides a part of the lost wages resulting from time away from work owing to illness or injury.
- Disability Benefits: compensates for a permanent or temporary incapacity brought on by a disease or injury at work.
- Rehabilitation Benefits: covers the expense of rehabilitation and job retraining to assist the employee in returning to work.
- Death benefits: may be given to a worker’s heirs if they pass away due to a work-related illness or accident.
The employer must fund the entire insurance cost and cannot withhold any amount from employee wages. In addition, as an employer, you can get advice from an attorney to determine the protection level required to uphold legal requirements and minimize risks to your company.
Summary
Workers’ compensation in Idaho is crucial for those who sustain injuries or illnesses at work. If the workers’ compensation duty is not met, there might be hefty penalties, legal proceedings, or misdemeanor charges. An employer should contact the Idaho Industrial Commission to see if it is exempt from the worker compensation requirement or is eligible for self-insurance.
