Idaho Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights
Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Idaho.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.
Who Is Covered?
Idaho requires workers' compensation insurance for all public and private employers with one or more employees, unless the employment is expressly exempt under idaho code § 72-212 §72-203. The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §72-209.
Key Deadlines
Benefit Overview
Workers' compensation in Idaho provides several categories of benefits:
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disability (TTD) | 67% of average weekly wage for the first 52 weeks, then 67% of the currently applicable average weekly state wage; subject to the maximum and minimum limits of § 72-409; During the period of recovery, and thereafter in cases of total and permanent disability §72-408 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) | Yes; scheduled benefits for specific body members; whole person impairment for unscheduled injuries based on disability evaluation §72-428 to 72-429 |
| Death Benefits | 45% of the average weekly state wage to a dependent widow or widower with no children, plus an additional 5% for each dependent child, subject to a combined maximum of 60% of the average weekly state wage (adjusted annually) §72-413 |
| Medical Treatment | All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury |
Medical Treatment
Employer-directed care; the employer provides treatment, and the employee may petition the commission for a change of physician to be provided by the employer §72-432. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
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- All public and private employers with one or more employees, unless the employment is expressly exempt under Idaho Code § 72-212
- All public and private employers with one or more employees, unless the employment is expressly exempt under Idaho Code § 72-212
- 67% of average weekly wage for the first 52 weeks, then 67% of the currently applicable average weekly state wage; subject to the maximum and minimum limits of § 72-409
- During the period of recovery, and thereafter in cases of total and permanent disability
- 60 days from date of accident or manifestation of occupational disease
- 1 year from date of making claim if no compensation was paid; 5 years from date of accident (or first manifestation of occupational disease) if compensation was paid and discontinued; 1 year from last payment of income benefits if discontinued more than 4 years after the accident