Idaho Workers’ Compensation Benefits Process

State law dictates how injured workers can apply and qualify for Idaho workers’ compensation benefits. (Federal employees have a separate process for claiming workers’ comp benefits.) First, we’ll explain which employees are (or are not) covered under Idaho workers’ compensation laws. Then, we’ll list the steps to file your Idaho workers’ comp claim.

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Which Employers Must Carry Idaho Workers’ Compensation Insurance Under State Law?

According to the Idaho Industrial Commission, nearly every employer in this state must provide Idaho workers’ compensation coverage. (This insurance policy coverage requirement applies equally to all part-time, full-time, seasonal and temporary employees.) However, state law does list employees that may be exempt from this mandatory coverage, including:

• Commission-only Realtors and real estate brokers
• Sole proprietors & any family member(s) working for them, but only if they live in the same household
• Domestic workers doing household jobs
• Pilots that fly crop-dusting planes, or planes that spray agricultural chemicals (under some conditions)
• Volunteer ski patrollers
• School athletic contest judges and officials (grades 7-12 only)

In general, no business owner should assume that contractors and sub-contractors are automatically exempt. If you work on contract and aren’t certain whether you have coverage, call the IIC to find out: 1-208-334-6060.

Related: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits Process

Steps to File Your Idaho Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you have a workplace injury or illness, follow these steps to apply for Idaho workers’ compensation benefits:

1. Notify your employer about your workplace injury or illness immediately. If you need emergency medical treatment, seek that first! Failure to report your accident within 60 days may disqualify you from claiming any Idaho workers’ compensation benefits.
2. Your employer should then provide a First Report of Injury Form for you to fill out. Ideally, you should sit down with your supervisor and complete this form together.
3. If you need ongoing medical treatment, ask your supervisor if there’s a designated physician you must see. This won’t apply in every case, but if it does, you can’t change doctors without employer approval. Either way, always tell any doctor you see that your issue is work-related when you seek treatment.
4. If your employer’s insurance provider denies your workers’ comp claim, you can appeal through mediation. The IIC will assign a neutral Industrial Commission mediator to help you resolve your claim dispute. To request claim mediation, call the IIC toll-free: 1-800-950-2110.
5. You may also file a Workers’ Compensation Complaint Form with the IIC to formally contest your denied claim. Do this if you cannot informally resolve your issue through mediation or directly contacting your employer’s insurance provider. Once you reach this step, we recommend talking to an Idaho workers’ compensation lawyer!

For more information about the Idaho workers’ compensation program, read this Facts for Injured Workers Brochure.

You May Qualify for Legal Assistance

Idaho workers’ compensation law doesn’t explain how long it takes to get benefits, or even a decision on your claim. But employers may require injured workers to take an on-the-spot workers comp drug test. Can’t pass? Then your employer can legally deny you benefits. Have a preexisting condition that’s similar to your current injury? Your claims adjuster is much less likely to approve your claim. If the system seems unfairly stacked against you, talk to a workers’ compensation attorney for free today.

These attorneys work on contingency, so you’ll pay $0 for claim help. Unless a lawyer helps you win a lump-sum cash settlement, you’ll owe $0 in workers’ compensation lawyer fees. And if you do win, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.

Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!

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