Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that protects both businesses and employees from financial losses that result from workplace injuries.
It is mandatory in most states, including Idaho, and has many advantages for both business owners and their employees. However, it can also be challenging to navigate workers’ comp laws, especially as an owner or employee.
This article will help you understand the ins and outs of workers comp in Idaho, so you can make the best decisions regarding your company’s workers’ comp needs. You can see more at https://www.employers.com/where-employers-does-business/idaho-workers-comp/.
How Does Workers’ Comp Work in the Gem State?
Employers in Idaho are required by law to carry insurance to cover their employees if they get hurt while working for them.
This will cover any medical expenses the employee may incur, lost wages from the time the employee spent from work, and even funeral expenses should the employee lose their life.
If an employee is injured at work, they need to file a claim at the Industrial Commission’s office. The Industrial Commission is the state agency tasked with regulating workers’ compensation activities in Idaho, including companies licensed to provide workers’ compensation insurance.
The employee will make a formal request for money to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other consequences of your injury. The insurer will then assess the paperwork and determine whether the claim is valid.
This means investigating how and when the incident happened, and if the injuries are work-related since non work-related injuries are not subject to compensation.
Is my Business Required to Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Yes, Idaho employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, as long as they have one employee or more on their payroll. This means employers have a legal duty to carry workers’ compensation insurance, as well as to pay it promptly.
Note that certain employees are exempted from workers’ compensation coverage. They include salespersons paid solely on commission, crop dusting pilots, real estate brokers, and household domestic service workers.
How Is Workers’ Comp Calculated?
There is no set amount of money that states will pay out in a workers’ compensation claim. This is because every situation is unique.
To determine the amount of compensation a business or employee will receive, the workers’ compensation agency will assess the following factors:
- How much the employee could have earned had he/she not been injured.
- How long the employee will miss work.
- How much a substitute would have had to be paid.
- Any lost wages from the time the injury occurred until the time the employee returns to work.
The Bottom Line
The great thing about workers’ comp is that it offers both businesses and their employees the security of knowing they will be compensated if employees are injured while on the job.
However, the nitty-gritties surrounding workers comp in Idaho can be a bit complex to understand.
To make sure you comply fully with your state’s workers’ compensation laws and guidelines, and make the most out of the policy, it’s a good idea to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney in your area. They can help you navigate the system and ensure you are receiving the most benefits possible.