Workers Compensation in Nevada
A workplace injury can happen in the blink of an eye, turning your life upside down. One moment, you’re earning a living, and the next, you’re dealing with medical treatments, lost wages, and the uncertainty of when—or if—you’ll return to work. What’s your next move?
Receiving workers’ compensation benefits isn’t always straightforward. Employers and insurance providers may delay payments, dispute the severity of your injury, or even deny your claim altogether.
This guide walks you through Nevada’s process, explains your rights, and shows how an experienced attorney can help you secure the benefits you need.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Nevada?
Workplace injuries are a concern for many Nevada employees. In 2023, private-sector employers reported approximately 31,500 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incidence rate of 2.8 cases per 100 full-time employees—slightly above the national average.
Some of Nevada’s highest-risk industries include:
- Construction: With an incidence rate of 3.9 per 100 workers, injuries in this sector often stem from falls, heavy equipment mishaps, and electrical hazards.
- Hospitality and Tourism: A major part of Nevada’s economy, this industry sees high rates of slip-and-fall injuries, burns, and repetitive strain injuries.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: With an injury rate of 4.2 per 100 workers, common injuries include lifting-related strains, workplace violence, and exposure to infectious diseases.
The most frequently reported injuries in Nevada workplaces include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: A leading cause of fractures, sprains, and head trauma.
- Overexertion Injuries: Often caused by lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy loads.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic back pain from repeated movements.
With the average cost of a medically consulted workplace injury at $42,000 nationwide, workers’ compensation benefits serve as a crucial financial lifeline for injured employees.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Nevada?
Nevada’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs. To qualify, your injury must have occurred while performing work-related duties.
Nevada’s Workers’ Compensation stipulates all employers with one or more employees must have coverage. There are a few exclusions, including stage performers and wedding bands. Benefits may include medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation.
Once approved, wage replacement benefits typically begin after a five-day waiting period and continue until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or can return to work.
Get Medical Attention
After suffering a workplace injury, your first priority should be getting medical care. Not only does this protect your health, but it also creates a medical record that directly connects your injury to your job—essential for a successful workers’ compensation claim.
In Nevada, your employer’s insurance provider has the right to direct your medical treatment, meaning they may require you to see a specific doctor within their network. However, in certain cases, you may be able to request a different provider if your treatment is inadequate.
Even if you think your injury is minor, don’t delay treatment. Conditions like repetitive stress injuries, internal trauma, and soft tissue damage can worsen over time and make it harder to prove they were caused by your job.
Be sure to keep detailed documentation of all medical visits, treatment plans, prescriptions, and test results. These records will be crucial if your claim is disputed or you need long-term benefits.
File a First Report of Injury
Once you’ve received medical attention, the next critical step is reporting the injury to your employer. Nevada law requires workers to report their injury within seven days by submitting a Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease (Form C-1) to their employer.
After receiving the notice, your employer must file a First Report of Injury or Occupational Disease (Form C-3) with their workers’ compensation insurance provider. This report must include:
- The date, time, and location of the injury.
- A detailed account of how the injury occurred.
- Information about the medical treatment you have received so far.
The insurance company will then review your claim to determine eligibility. If there are disputes about the severity of your injury or whether it is work-related, you may be required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
Nevada has a 90-day statute of limitations for filing a formal workers’ compensation claim. Failing to meet this deadline can result in the loss of your right to benefits.
If you miss work for 5 consecutive days or 5 days within 20 days, you can claim lost wages. There is a 4-day waiting period, with benefits beginning on the 5th consecutive day of absence. According to Nevada’s Department of Business & Injury, compensation is based on two-thirds of the worker’s average monthly wage.
The statutory maximum wage is set at 150% of the state average monthly wage. However, an employee can always petition to have their claim reopened if a doctor has certified their condition has worsened.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Even though Nevada’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect injured workers, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. If you face delays, disputes, or unfair treatment, a lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t question how workers comp works and risk losing your claim. Hire a Nevada workers’ comp lawyer and ensure you have an advocate to fight for your rights.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Nevada
Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.
We can connect you with a local attorney or one across Nevada state lines.
Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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