Important: We updated this article in April 2023 to ensure all the information below is both current and correct. State law outlines who gets Idaho workers’ compensation benefits and how the process works. If you experienced an accident or illness on the job in the Gem State, you should focus on feeling better ― not feeling anxious about the claims process.
Learn what you need to do next in order to get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
Idaho Workers’ Compensation Eligibility
State law says any employer with one or more employees in this state must offer workers comp coverage to all part-time, full-time, seasonal and temporary employees. Important: Don’t assume contractors and sub-contractors are exempt. If you work on contract and aren’t certain whether you have coverage, call the Idaho Industrial Commission to find out: 1-208-334-6060.
Find out more about how to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
However, state law does list employees that may be exempt from this mandatory coverage, including:
- Commission-only REALTORS® and real estate brokers.
- Sole proprietors and any family member(s) working for them living in the same household.
- Domestic workers doing household jobs.
- Pilots of 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).
Important: State rules don’t cover federal employees.
How to File Your Idaho Workers’ Compensation Claim
Important: Seek treatment immediately if you require emergency or urgent care. Tell the doctor your injury or illness is work-related. You should also make sure to keep all receipts and bills.
To qualify for Idaho workers’ compensation benefits, you must prove your injury or illness is work-related. Every case is different, so your experience may vary, but most workplace accident claims follow this process:
- Notify your supervisor immediately. Failure to report within 60 days may disqualify you from claiming any Idaho workers’ compensation benefits.
- Get a First Report of Injury Form from your employer. Ideally, you should complete this form with your supervisor. Important: If you need ongoing medical treatment, then 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.
- Take action if your claim’s denied. You have two options: A) Call the IIC at 1-800-950-2110 and they will assign a neutral mediator to help you resolve your claim dispute. B) Formally contest the denial by filing a Workers’ Compensation Complaint Form if you cannot resolve your issue either through mediation or direct contact with your employer’s insurance provider. Important: We strongly recommend hiring an Idaho workers’ compensation lawyer to help you appeal.
Get all the facts on Idaho workers’ comp coverage for injured workers.
COVID-19 and Idaho Workers’ Compensation
As of October 2021, the IIC received 2,338 employee claims related to COVID-19. Most of the claims were medical-only claims, but some included reimbursement for lost wages. According to reporting from Idaho Public Radio, the state paid more than $1.13 million in medical benefits and $904,000 in lost wages related to the pandemic.
Free Legal Assistance with Your Workers’ Comp Case
When you’re living with a work-related illness or injury, navigating the Idaho workers’ compensation system can make you feel even worse. And since your employer chooses the doctor who diagnoses your illness or injury, you may feel you aren’t being treated or compensated fairly.
That’s why we recommend working with an experienced workers’ comp attorney for free, confidential claim assistance. These specialists typically work on a contingency basis, which means you aren’t charged unless you win a cash settlement. You only pay a reasonable, one-time fee when your case is successful.
Want free expert claim help? Click the button below to sign up for a free phone call during regular weekday business hours:
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Margot Lester is the CEO ofThe Word Factory,a B2B & B2C content marketing agency that provides services for Fortune 100 brands, healthtech companies and SaaS developers. An award-winning business and brand journalist, she writes for daily and weekly newspapers and business journals, national magazines, in-flight publications and leading websites. Margot is also an in-demand writing coach and organizational communications trainer,helping individuals and teams write more effectively. Twitter/X:@word_factoryLinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/margotlester.
