Workers in many different industries in Idaho can get hurt on the job. Agricultural workers, manufacturing employees, construction staff, retail professionals and even sanitation specialists can get hurt while performing the basic duties of their job.
As long as someone is a direct employee of the company and can show that their medical condition is the result of their work, they can potentially claim workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a great insurance program. Even those who already have good health coverage can benefit from pursuing workers’ compensation when they get hurt on the job.
Unlike most private insurance programs, workers’ compensation and Idaho will pay 100% of your medical costs. It will also offer you disability compensation to replace at least some of your wages while you recover. Claims usually start with making a report of your injury to your employer and having them initiate a claim. What can you do when your employer isn’t taking action after you get hurt on the job?
Consider that you may need someone in your corner
As soon as your employer displays anything other than enthusiastic support and a willingness to accommodate you after you get hurt on the job, take steps to protect yourself. Many companies will become antagonistic toward employees that they see as a liability, even if that worker has been with the company for years.
If you have to make repeated requests to initiate a workers’ compensation claim, if your employer threatens to fire you for seeking medical care or if they write you up for staying home from work after an injury, those could all be warning signs of a contentious claim process ahead. Having a lawyer support you during this process will make it harder for your employer to mistreat you.
If the company won’t file a claim, you can file one with the state
Injured workers whose employers refuse to cooperate when they have a valid reason to request workers’ compensation benefits can bypass their employer to get the compensation they deserve. Having help while submitting your application will increase the chances of success and reduce your risk of submitting inadequate documentation or making mistakes with the paperwork.
Once you submit the necessary forms to the Idaho Industrial Commission, you can expect to receive a response regarding your claim in the near future. Many workers can receive medical treatment while waiting for a response on their claim, as hospitals and even physical therapy offices recognize the delays sometimes intrinsic to workers’ compensation benefit claims. They will treat you now and comply with the necessary process when your claim does move forward.