North Dakota law
Workers' Compensation Laws in North Dakota.
North Dakota operates a mandatory, monopolistic state-fund workers' compensation system through Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI). Unlike most states, private insurers cannot write workers' compensation policies — all coverage comes through WSI. Benefits include medical treatment, wage replacement at two-thirds of pre-injury wages, and rehabilitation services. The system is no-fault, meaning you do not need to prove employer negligence.
Last verified: 2026-02-26
State law
Statute of Limitations
All original claims for compensation must be filed within 1 year after the injury. The date of injury is the first date a reasonable person knew or should have known that the injury was work-related and caused lost wages or required medical treatment.
Exceptions
An employee must notify their employer of a work-related accident within 7 days. Notice may be oral or written. The employer then has 7 days to file a first report with WSI.
Claims for death benefits must be filed within 2 years after the employee's death.
State law
Filing Requirements
Report the injury to your employer within 7 days of the accident. Notice may be oral or written.
File a claim with North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance within 1 year of the injury. The employer must file a first report of injury within 7 days of receiving notice from the employee.
State law
Key North Dakota Statutes
Nearly all North Dakota employers must obtain workers' compensation coverage through WSI (Workforce Safety & Insurance). Private insurance companies cannot write workers' compensation policies in North Dakota. Coverage applies to full-time, part-time, seasonal, and occasional workers.
Temporary total disability benefits pay two-thirds of the injured worker's pre-injury gross weekly wage, subject to an annual maximum set by WSI. Benefits begin after 5 or more consecutive days of disability. An additional $15/week is available per dependent child.
WSI pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury. Except for emergency treatment, all medical care must be provided by a physician approved by WSI. Employers may designate a list of medical providers for employees to choose from.
If an injured worker cannot return to their previous job, WSI provides vocational rehabilitation services including job retraining, education, and job placement assistance.
Employers may not discharge or discriminate against an employee for filing or intending to file a workers' compensation claim with WSI.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.
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