
Case Result: $139,000 in Penalties — Separate from Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Our law firm secured $139,000 in workers’ compensation penalties for an injured Nevada worker after proving that the insurance carrier repeatedly violated Nevada workers’ compensation law by unlawfully delaying benefits and ignoring court orders.
This recovery was in addition to all medical and wage benefits owed under the claim and represents real financial accountability imposed on the insurance company for misconduct — not just payment of overdue benefits.
For injured workers searching for a workers’ compensation lawyer or workers’ comp attorney after experiencing delays or denials, this case shows that insurers can be held responsible when they break the rules.
What Happens When a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Carrier Violates the Law?
Under Nevada law, insurance carriers are required to:
- Pay benefits on time
- Authorize medical treatment promptly
- Follow hearing officer and court orders
- Comply with strict statutory and administrative deadlines
In this case, the carrier engaged in a pattern of unlawful delays and noncompliance, including:
- Late or withheld benefit payments
- Failure to timely authorize necessary medical care
- Ignoring mandatory timelines imposed by Nevada law
- Disregarding orders issued during the workers’ compensation proceedings
These violations caused financial stress, treatment delays, and prolonged uncertainty for the injured worker — harm that the law is designed to prevent.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Enforce Penalties Against Insurers
Rather than allowing the carrier’s conduct to continue, our firm — acting as the worker’s Nevada workers’ compensation attorney — pursued enforcement through formal litigation.
We:
- Filed motions for sanctions and penalties
- Presented evidence of repeated violations
- · Briefed the legal standards governing insurer conduct
- · Demonstrated that the delays were systemic, not accidental
- · Proved direct harm caused by the carrier’s actions
Insurance companies often argue that delays are minor or unintentional. Through detailed legal analysis and enforcement proceedings, we established that the carrier’s conduct met the statutory standard for penalties, independent of the underlying claim value.
Result: $139,000 Paid Directly to the Injured Worker
As a result of this enforcement action, the insurer was ordered to pay $139,000 in penalties — money that:
- Went directly to the injured worker
- Was not offset against medical, disability, or wage benefits
- Was paid solely as punishment for unlawful conduct
- Reflected accountability for violating workers’ compensation law
This outcome highlights a critical reality many injured workers do not know: workers’ compensation claims are not limited to medical bills and wage replacement. When insurers break the law, additional compensation may be available.
Why This Case Matters for Injured Workers
Many workers ask:
- What are my rights if workers’ comp delays my benefits?
- Can an insurance company be punished for ignoring the law?
- Do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer if my claim is accepted but delayed?
This case answers those questions clearly: yes, insurers can be penalized, but only if the law is enforced.
Insurance companies rely on injured workers not knowing their rights. When delays go unchallenged, carriers save money. When a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney intervenes, the law can be used to level the playing field.
Key Takeaway
Workers’ compensation insurance carriers are not above the law. When they delay, deny, or ignore legal obligations, penalties can be imposed — and those penalties can be substantial.
If you are experiencing delays, denials, or unexplained inaction on your workers’ compensation claim, speaking with a Nevada workers’ compensation lawyer early can protect your rights. Most consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless benefits or compensation are recovered.