Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Injury Claims

Every case is different. Value depends on your medical bills and future care, lost wages and earning capacity, how the injury affects your daily life, how clear the other party's fault is, and how much insurance coverage is available. We give you an honest assessment during your free consultation after reviewing your records and the facts.

Idaho law allows recovery of economic damages — medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, and property damage — and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of truly outrageous conduct, punitive damages may be available under Idaho Code 6-1604.

Yes, for most cases. Idaho Code 6-1603 limits non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, and the cap is adjusted each year. It does not limit economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, and certain exceptions apply, such as reckless or willful misconduct. We explain how the cap affects your specific claim.

Usually not. First offers often come before the full extent of your injuries is known and rarely account for future treatment or lost earning capacity. Once you accept and sign a release, you generally can't ask for more. Talk with an attorney before you sign anything.

You are not required to, and it's best to speak with a lawyer first. Adjusters can use recorded statements to downplay your injuries or shift blame to you. We can handle communication with the insurance company for you.

You may be able to claim against your own uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage if your policy includes it. These claims are made against your own insurer, which often still resists paying full value. We review your policies to find every source of coverage. See our auto accident page.

Under Idaho Code 5-311, a wrongful death claim can be brought by the deceased person's heirs — typically a spouse, children, or parents who depended on them — or by the personal representative of the estate. Families may recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Learn about wrongful death claims.

At Skaug Law, nothing upfront. We handle personal injury cases — including car, truck, and motorcycle accident claims — on a contingency fee. That means no retainer and no hourly bills: our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you, and if we don't recover anything, you owe no attorney fee.

Contingency percentages vary with the type of case and how far it goes — for example, whether it settles or goes to trial. We explain our percentage during your free consultation and put the full fee agreement in writing before we start, so you know exactly what to expect. The fee applies only to money we actually recover.

No attorney fee. If we don't recover compensation for you, you don't pay us for our work. Your written fee agreement spells out how case costs are handled, and we review it with you before you sign.

Yes. When your case resolves, our agreed percentage and any advanced case costs are paid from the recovery, and you receive the balance. You never write us a check out of pocket, and we give you a detailed statement showing where every dollar went.

Yes. Your first consultation with Skaug Law is completely free, with no obligation to hire us. You'll speak with an attorney — not a call screener — who will review what happened, explain your options, and answer your questions. Call 208-274-9298 to schedule.

Workers' compensation cases are also handled on contingency, so there's nothing to pay upfront. In Idaho, attorney fees in workers' comp cases are regulated by the Idaho Industrial Commission, which helps protect injured workers from excessive fees. We explain exactly how fees work in your case during your free consultation. Learn about our workers’ compensation practice.

It depends on the injury, the insurance coverage, and whether fault is disputed. Some injuries that seem minor turn out to need ongoing treatment, and early settlements often miss those costs. A free consultation lets you find out whether you need a lawyer at no cost — and we'll tell you honestly if you don't.

No. We advance case costs such as investigation, expert witnesses, court filing fees, and medical records. Those costs are reimbursed only if we recover compensation, and we give you a clear accounting of every expense.

Many medical providers will treat injury victims on a lien, waiting for payment until the case resolves. We can help you find providers who work this way. Consistent treatment protects your health and documents your injuries for your claim.

Our office is at 1226 East Karcher Road in Nampa, just off I-84 and centrally located in the Treasure Valley. Get directions and office hours.

We represent injury victims in more than 40 communities across southwestern Idaho, including Nampa, Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, Eagle, Kuna, Star, Middleton, Mountain Home, Payette, and Weiser. We offer hospital visits, home consultations, and virtual meetings for clients who can't travel.

Yes. We represent clients across Idaho, including rural communities like Idaho City, Grand View, and Mountain Home. Distance isn't a barrier — we'll come to you.

Yes. Our team offers full Spanish-speaking support, because language should never stand between you and justice. Call 208-274-9298 and let us know you'd like to speak in Spanish.