A permanent disability can force you to rethink everything from your career to your daily routine. With over $1 billion recovered in compensation and benefits and more than 150 years of combined trial experience, we know how to take on complex Social Security Disability claims and win.
Call your Las Vegas permanent disability lawyer from Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers today to work directly with your Las Vegas Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) lawyer and get the benefits you deserve.
What to Expect During a Permanent Disability Benefits Dispute
Disputes about permanent disability benefits often come down to how much compensation is owed, how severe the impairment is, or whether the condition qualifies as permanent under Nevada law.
These disagreements can delay payments and put additional stress on injured workers. Every stage of the process depends on clear medical evidence and fast action.
Medical Disagreements and Independent Medical Exams
One of the most common sources of conflict is when the insurance company challenges the findings of your treating physician. If your doctor says you are permanently disabled or assigns a high impairment rating, the insurer may request an Independent Medical Exam (IME) from a provider of their choosing. These exams often result in lower ratings or opinions that you are capable of returning to work.
When two doctors provide conflicting opinions, the insurer may favor the one that limits its financial responsibility. However, this does not mean your claim is over.
We present supporting documentation, seek second opinions, and request hearings to contest any biased or inaccurate assessments. Our team knows how to identify weaknesses in an IME report and build a response that favors your position.
When Your Claim Is Denied or Delayed in Las Vegas
If your permanent disability claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Nevada imposes strict time limits for filing appeals, and missing a deadline can impact your entire case.
We use every available tool, including updated records, second medical opinions, and work history documentation, to challenge improper denials and push your claim forward.
How Impairment Ratings Impact Compensation and Case Value
Your impairment rating directly affects how much you receive in permanent disability benefits. Even a change of two or three percentage points can shift the value of your settlement by thousands of dollars. Doctors assign these ratings based on loss of function, pain, and limitations in movement or strength. Insurers may try to minimize your rating to reduce their payout.
The statute NRS § 616C.490 describes how ratings are used to calculate compensation, including adjustments for age, wages, and severity. We review each rating carefully and present evidence when your score does not match the reality of your condition.
Our firm challenges unfair assessments and fights to secure the full amount you are owed.
What Makes a Work Injury Qualify for Permanent Disability in Las Vegas
Not every work-related injury results in a permanent disability classification. Under Nevada law, this determination depends on medical findings, functional limitations, and whether you can return to meaningful employment. Long-term restrictions must be supported by documentation and meet strict state criteria.
How Nevada Defines Permanent Partial and Total Disabilities
Nevada law separates permanent disabilities into two categories: permanent partial disability (PPD) and permanent total disability (PTD). A PPD means that you still can work in some capacity, but you have lasting physical or functional limitations. PTD means you cannot return to any type of gainful employment due to the severity of your injury.
Medical evaluations play a major role in both classifications. Doctors use the American Medical Association’s guidelines to assign impairment ratings, and these ratings help determine the amount and duration of compensation.
The official statute outlines how compensation for permanent partial disability is calculated, including the factors that affect your benefit rate. Functional capacity exams and work restriction assessments are also used to support your claim and demonstrate what you can or cannot do on the job.
When an Injury Prevents You From Returning to Any Type of Work
A permanent total disability applies when your condition makes it impossible to perform any type of work on a sustained basis. These cases often involve catastrophic injuries or advanced illnesses that limit mobility, stamina, or cognitive function.
Your lawyer will gather evaluations from multiple treating physicians and coordinate functional testing to support a clear finding of total disability.
Common Work Accidents That Can Lead to Permanent Disabilities
Certain workplace accidents are more likely to result in lasting physical limitations. Industries like construction, healthcare, and transportation carry a higher risk of severe or irreversible injuries.
When these incidents occur on the job, they often fall under Nevada’s definition of a compensable industrial injury. Some common workplace accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Spinal injuries from improper lifting
- Repetitive motion trauma affecting joints or nerves
- Vehicle collisions during job-related travel
- Slip-and-fall accidents in wet or cluttered workspaces
- Assaults or injuries during workplace violence
- Falls from elevated walkways or unstable platforms
We review these incidents with a focus on how the injury occurred and how it changed your ability to work. Our team uses the evidence we obtain in the course of our investigation to support the link between the injury and your disability.
A Las Vegas permanent disability attorney with Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers will apply NRS § 616A.265 and related statutes to prove that your injury qualifies.
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Get Experienced Help From a Permanent Disability Lawyer in Las Vegas
Getting approved for permanent disability benefits is rarely simple, but you do not have to face the system alone. Your permanent disability attorney in Las Vegas with Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers will take the lead on your claim, fight for every dollar you are owed, and stand by your side throughout the process.
Submit our contact form today to schedule your free consultation and move forward with a proven legal team.
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