Steps in the Las Vegas Work Injury Claims Process
Nevada law protects injured workers by allowing them to pursue workers’ compensation benefits or, in some cases, file Las Vegas personal injury claims. If you suffer an injury at work, here are the steps to take in the claims process to protect your health, job, and right to compensation.
1. Report the Injury Immediately
After any work injury, you must report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Nevada law under NRS 616C.015 requires injured workers to notify their employer in writing within seven days of the accident. Failing to report your injury quickly can jeopardize your ability to collect benefits.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Seek prompt medical attention even if the injury seems minor at first. In Nevada, you usually must see a doctor authorized by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. Tell the treating doctor that your injury happened at work and they will complete a C-4 form, which officially starts your workers’ compensation claim. Be honest and thorough when describing your injuries and symptoms.
3. File the Necessary Claims Forms
After receiving medical treatment, you need to complete a C-1 Form: Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease to give to your employer. After their insurance company receives the C-4 form from your treating physician, they must then decide within 30 days whether to accept or deny your claim. Stay in contact with your employer and the insurer to ensure that all necessary documents reach the right parties.
4. Cooperate With Medical Treatment and Return-to-Work Efforts
While your claim is pending, continue to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Attend all appointments, participate in physical therapy, and comply with work restrictions. If your employer offers modified duty consistent with your doctor’s recommendations, you must accept the work or risk losing benefits.
5. Understand Your Benefits
If the insurer accepts your claim, you may receive several types of benefits, including:
- Medical expense coverage.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you cannot work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits if you return to limited work.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) compensation for lasting injuries.
- Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your prior job.
Each benefit comes with its own eligibility requirements and rules.
6. Appeal a Denied Claim if Necessary
If the insurer denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. Nevada law gives you 70 days from the date of the denial letter to file a hearing request with the Department of Administration’s Hearings Division. You may eventually pursue further appeals through the Appeals Office and even the Nevada courts if necessary.
How a Las Vegas Work Injury Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the work injury claims process in Las Vegas can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from an accident. A skilled Las Vegas Workplace Accident Attorney ensures you meet all reporting and filing deadlines, helps you complete claims forms correctly, gathers medical evidence to support your case, and negotiates with insurers to ensure you receive the appropriate benefits. If your claim is denied, an attorney represents you during hearings and appeals to fight for the full compensation you deserve.