Every state has enacted a system of workers’ compensation law. In Idaho, an injured worker is entitled to claim certain benefits, including:

• Reasonable and necessary medical care
• Temporary total disability payments during the time a physician verifies that the employee is in a period of recovery and cannot work
• Permanent partial impairment payments when the employee can resume some type of work but the injury caused permanent limitations
• Possible long term disability if the employee can work but can no longer earn as much due to the injury.

In some cases, disability may be total and permanent if the employee is no longer able to work in any job. An additional important benefit injured employees may be entitled to is vocational rehabilitation to help them return to the workforce.

If you are injured on the job, you should immediately notify your employer about the injury. Cooperate in filling out a “First Report of Injury or Illness” form. A delay could result in a denial of benefits.