Even in workplaces that are lower impact, anyone can have an accident at work. These accidents can result in unexpected physical injury. If you become injured at work, there are certain steps that you must take to ensure that your injury is correctly documented and covered by your employer’s worker’s compensation coverage.
All private employers in the state of Nevada are required to carry worker’s compensation coverage. This is also called worker’s comp and workman’s compensation. This coverage ensures that you are covered if you’re injured at work.
To make sure that any work related injuries are covered, here are steps that you must take:
Report Your Injury Right Away
You should report the injury and the circumstances surrounding your injury to your supervisor right away. Your employer will provide you with a Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease form (Form C-1). Work related injuries must be reported within 7 days and the report must be documented in writing, so it’s important to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible.
Seek Medical Care
If you are injured at work, seek medical care. Let your employer know that you need to see a doctor, and they can provide you with their worker’s compensation insurer and a list of the doctors you can go to and be compensated. You must go to a care provider that’s covered by your employer’s insurance in order to be covered by your employer’s woker’s compensation program.
If you have a severe injury, go to the nearest emergency room and follow staff instructions.
Report Every Symptom
It’s very important to report every symptom you’re experiencing to the doctor, even if they seem minor. Undocumented symptoms can cause problems with your case later. Report even small aches and pains.
Complete Required Paperwork
Once you’ve accessed medical care for your work related injury or illness, complete any paperwork required by the doctor, as well as the Employee’s Claim for Compensation/Report of Initial Treatment (form C4). The insurance company will have 30 days to accept or reject your claim.
When Your Worker’s Comp Claim is Accepted
Once your worker’s comp claim is accepted, you can begin receiving benefits. You may be entitled to one or more of the following: coverage for medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability, coverage for lost wages, or occupational therapy or training. If needed, you can also get coverage for long-term care for your work related injury.
Note that if you accept worker’s compensation benefits, you waive your right to sue your employer regarding your work related injury.
If Your Worker’s Comp Claim is Denied
If your worker’s comp claim is denied, you still have some options. If you decide to appeal your worker’s comp claim, the first step is usually a hearing with a Hearing Officer. You can request this by filling out a form with the Nevada Department of Administration. This form is available on the DOA website. You must file this form within 70 days of receiving your denial letter, and you must include a copy of the denial letter with the form.
If your hearing doesn’t get you the result you want, you can appeal your claim further through a hearing with an Appeals Officer. You must file your request for this hearing within 30 days of receiving the Hearing Officer’s decision, and must include a copy of that decision letter with the form.
If your claim is still denied, your next step is to appeal through the Nevada state court system.
At Vegas Auto Injury Lawyers, personal injury is our specialty. If you’re injured at work, we can help make sure you get all of the benefits that you deserve. We can provide expert assistance at every step of the process, from understanding what to do if you’re injured at work to working through the appeals process. If you need help with a work related injury and the worker’s compensation process, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help make sure that you get the benefits you need.
