North Dakota Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026

North Dakota uses one exclusive state fund

WSI is the sole provider and administrator of workers’ compensation insurance in North Dakota. Report a work accident to the employer immediately, preferably in writing, and identify when, where and how it happened, the body parts involved and any witnesses. For an emergency, obtain urgent care first.

A First Report of Injury may be completed online or sent to WSI. Keep the submission confirmation, claim number, employer report, wage records and every letter from WSI. Reporting to an employer and filing the formal claim are related but distinct steps.

Ask whether the employer has a designated medical provider

North Dakota employers may select a designated medical provider or provider group for work injuries. WSI warns employees to ask for that list before choosing a provider because care outside the designated arrangement may not be covered. Emergency treatment should not be delayed.

Tell the provider the injury is work-related. Keep work-status slips, restrictions, treatment plans, referrals, bills and authorization decisions. The treating provider must continually verify disability, including the medical basis, abilities, restrictions and expected duration.

Benefits can cover medical care, wage loss and permanent impairment

TTD generally begins with two-thirds of gross AWW, current WSI minimum and maximum levels, the net-wage ceiling and any eligible $15 child allowances. TPD uses two-thirds of the loss in earning capacity and normally ends when capacity returns to at least 90% of preinjury AWW; ordinary TPD is generally limited to five years.

Medical benefits, permanent total disability, permanent partial impairment, death benefits, vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work services have separate eligibility rules. Use the North Dakota calculator only for a transparent weekly TTD or TPD worksheet.

Report all work, wages and benefit changes

WSI periodically sends the Injured Worker Status Letter, Form FL214. Further wage-loss benefits can pause until the completed form is returned. Report every work activity and all wages, even where no net profit results, and notify WSI of a new employer or any change in work status.

Unemployment and TTD cannot be received for the same period. Social Security disability or retirement eligibility must also be reported because statutory offsets may apply. Preserve proof of every report to avoid preventable overpayment disputes.

The original claim generally must be filed within one year

Section 65-05-01 generally requires an original benefits claim within one year after the injury. For this rule, the injury date is tied to when a reasonable person knew or should have known of the work-related injury and resulting wage loss or medical need. Death claims generally use a separate two-year period.