Employees in Idaho deserve a safe workplace. When they suffer an on-the-job injury, they should generally be able to count on their employer’s workers’ compensation policy to cover their medical expenses and provide specific other benefits.
When an injured worker in Idaho faces delays from their employer in handling a workers’ compensation claim, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure that their claim is processed promptly so that they can receive their benefits. The following are a few steps that an injured worker in Idaho should do if they encounter delays with their claim.
Document everything
Keep records of everything related to the claim, including correspondence, treatments and expenses. This documentation should include dates of medical appointments, summaries of medical reports and any communication with the employer or the insurance company. Having an organized record can strengthen your claim and help address any disputes that may arise.
Follow up regularly
Regularly follow up with the employer and the insurance carrier regarding the claim status. Keep a log of these communications, including dates, the name of the person spoken to, and a brief conversation summary. Persistent follow-up can help expedite the review process.
Contact the Idaho Industrial Commission
If an employer is unresponsive or the claim process is prolonged, the worker can contact the Idaho Industrial Commission (IIC). The IIC oversees the administration of workers’ compensation claims in Idaho and can guide the next steps. They can also intervene if an employer or insurance carrier isn’t complying with state workers’ compensation laws. If there are grounds to believe that the employer’s actions violate workers’ compensation laws, the worker can file a formal complaint with the Idaho Industrial Commission. The commission can investigate the complaint and act appropriately against the employer or insurance carrier if they find violations.
Injured workers in Idaho shouldn’t have to navigate delays in the workers’ compensation claims process alone. By taking these steps and seeking legal guidance, workers can more effectively protect their rights and seek the benefits they deserve in a (relatively) timely fashion, even when their employers are slow-walking their claims.