Workers Compensation in Las Vegas, NV

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Nevada state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Las Vegas, Nevada workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Las Vegas, Nevada?

Common injuries among Las Vegas workers are falls from heights, auto and transportation accidents, and construction accidents. First responders, such as police officers and firefighters, also have a greater chance of incurring injury in Las Vegas. According to a report from Las Vegas WorkCompCentral, certain insurers were reprimanded for denying workers’ compensation claims without ever reading the injury reports, or giving serious consideration to the accidents. If you have been sustained a work-related injury, regardless of fault, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Nevada law.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Las Vegas, Nevada?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

According to The Nevada Association of Employers, businesses with one or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. The few exemptions are workers brought in that are already covered in another state, and employees that have private disability and death benefit plans. Workers’ Compensation in Las Vegas can include disability payments, lost wages, and death benefits. Medical treatment is also covered, including reimbursement for travel expenses, and going to and from the doctor for medical care. In addition, mental health issues that are gradual in development are exempt from coverage. However mental illness that develops as a result of a physical injury is eligible for coverage.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Las Vegas, Nevada are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Las Vegas, Nevada healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months. All before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

The Division of Industrial relations for the State of Nevada lays out a clear timeline and process for filing your report. The most important factor after you have sustained an injury is time. You should report your injury to your employer immediately. This will establish the time of injury and that the injury occurred while at your job. Then you should seek medical treatment as soon as you are able. If the injury results in an emergency, go to the nearest hospital immediately. If not, your employer will designate a doctor for medical care. After you receive treatment it’s always best to obtain 2 copies of the doctor’s report. 1 for your employer, and 1 for you. Acting in a timely manner and having copies of the medical reports will help you. Especially if any disputes over your claim arise.

Timeline and Other Information

If you have filed a first report of injury in Las Vegas, your employer has 6 working days to file your report with the insurance company. The insurance company will review the claim, and has a period of 30 days to approve or deny it. Once your claim has been approved you’ll be contacted by the insurance company and begin receiving benefits. In Las Vegas, temporary total disability benefits are nearly 67% of your weekly working wage. With a maximum payout of $3,697.04 per month.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Las Vegas, Nevada Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Las Vegas, Nevada, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Las Vegas, Nevada workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Las Vegas, Nevada

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Las Vegas, Nevada you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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