Each year 45,000 Idahoans suffer an on the job injury. If you are one of these, then you know how devastating the aftermath of a work-related injury can be. Between mounting medical bills, lost hours at work, and physical and emotional pain, the stress of the situation can prove overwhelming.
Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with this alone–benefits from workers’ compensation can help you get back on your feet after an injury by providing you with financial compensation to help make your life easier during this time. While this doesn’t heal the physical pain that you are suffering, it can alleviate some of the financial strain and ensure that you get the medical treatment needed to heal. If you have been injured while on the job, the attorneys at Litster Frost are here to guide you through the workers’ compensation claim process and assist you every step of the way.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance policy overseen by the Idaho Industrial Commission. Since Idaho state law requires nearly every employer to have workers’ compensation, almost all workers have coverage for job-related injuries from the moment they start working. If you are eligible for workers’ compensation, you are entitled to benefits if you have suffered an injury on the job or have developed a disease caused by the conditions of your job. These benefits include compensation for medical expenses incurred in relation to the treatment of your injury, and lost wages while being out of work following your injury.
What Type of Injuries or Illnesses Qualify?
No matter what your occupation, injuries are possible in the workplace. Idaho Falls is home to a large mining and production industry, both of which are often dangerous professions which can lead to obvious injuries. The city is also home to a significant number of healthcare and management jobs, too, which can lead to injuries which, although different, are still significant.
Common injuries in labor-intensive jobs such as mining and production at companies such as Melaleuca, Inc. and INL Contractors include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Shoulder injuries
- Hernias
- Neck and head injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
Injuries which can plague the many office jobs that are present in Idaho Falls such as Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and Hewlett Packard include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries
What Should I Do if I am Injured at Work?
If you are suffering from a work-related injury or disease, the two most important steps are to seek medical treatment for your injury or illness and to immediately notify your employer. After both of these steps are taken, you can then evaluate whether it is necessary to hire an attorney to help you file your workers’ compensation claim.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help Me File My Claim?
You are not required to have representation during the worker’s compensation process. In fact, if your work-related injury is relatively minor–such as a cut or minor sprain–and didn’t cause you to miss a lot of work, then you can likely file a workers’ compensation claim on your own without the assistance of an attorney. However, if you are suffering from a serious injury and have had to miss a substantial amount of work as a result of your injury, then an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can be vital in helping you get the compensation you deserve.
