Accidents can happen at any time, even in the most careful of workplaces, and when they do, the impact on your life can be significant. If you’ve been injured or fallen ill at work in Idaho, you may be concerned about how you’ll manage your finances without a regular paycheck on top of the stress of healing. Fortunately, Idaho Workers’ Compensation is designed to provide essential support during such difficulties.
Some essential things to understand:
- Medical Expenses
First and foremost, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company should pay your medical expenses resulting from a work-related injury or illness. From doctors’ visits and hospital stays to medication and necessary therapies, your medical costs should be paid to ensure you receive the treatment you need to recover.
- Lost Wages
Apart from medical coverage, you are also entitled to compensation for a portion of your lost wages. The timeline for receiving this support usually starts about 21 days after your injury or illness is reported. The amount you receive depends on the type of disability you have sustained from your injury.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If you are unable to work for at least five days or have been admitted to the hospital but are expected to recover and return to work eventually, you may be eligible for Temporary Total Disability benefits. While you are receiving treatment, you can receive a benefit that is typically up to 67% of your weekly wage, up to a maximum benefit that changes each year.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If your injury allows you to continue working but in a capacity that pays less than what you were earning before, Temporary Partial Disability benefits might apply. You can receive 67% of the wages you’ve lost, up to a maximum limit. These benefits are discontinued if you return to work at full capacity, reach medical stability or achieve maximum medical improvement.
- Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI)
In cases where you experience a permanent impairment after reaching maximum medical improvement and have been given a permanent impairment rating, Permanent Partial Impairment benefits come into play. The benefit is calculated at 55% of the average weekly wage for the state in the year you were injured.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
When your injuries result in a permanent reduction of income and capacity to work, Permanent Partial Disability benefits may be applicable. Similar to PPI, the benefit amount is calculated at 55% of the average weekly wage for the state in the year you were injured.
- Total and Permanent Disability (T&P)
In the most severe cases, where you are unable to return to work in any capacity, you may be eligible for Total and Permanent Disability benefits. This compensation amount is about 67% of the average weekly state wage.
Idaho Workers’ Compensation law provides crucial support to workers who have been injured or fallen ill on the job. The system ensures that your medical expenses are covered and offers various types of disability benefits to help replace lost income during your recovery period. Whether your disability is temporary or permanent, the aim is to provide financial assistance and peace of mind allowing you to focus on your healing and well-being.
If you’ve been injured or made sick by your work, it is essential to work with a qualified attorney who can help to maximize your benefits. At Petersen, Parkinson, and Arnold, we have two of Idaho’s Workers’ Compensation Specialists who are happy to review your individual case and discuss your rights with you.