You deserve access to workers’ compensation coverage through your employer in the event you get hurt or sick on the job. However, there are strict rules put in place by state law on how and when workers should apply for workers’ comp. Failing to follow all of them could lead to a reduction of benefits or your claim being denied altogether.
Filing for workers’ compensation in Summerlin is a multi-step process. Assistance from a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer can go a long way towards simplifying this process, which minimizes your risk of making avoidable errors and maximizes your chances of getting all the compensation you should be entitled to.
When Is It Possible to Seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation covers all work-related injuries and illnesses which a covered employee suffers and, more specifically, any injury or illness they sustain as a direct result of conditions they were exposed to or tasks they were expected to perform at work. Filing for workers’ comp in the state of Nevada works on a “no-fault” basis, which means that claimants do not need to prove anyone specifically at fault for their injury or illness, only that it was in fact work-related in some way.
It is worth noting, though, that failing to follow safety rules and recommendations while performing job-related tasks can result in a significant reduction in available workers’ comp benefits. Even something as small as failing to wear appropriate protective gear or not precisely following operating instructions for machines could lead to a claimant missing out on much-needed compensation.
Forms and Filing Deadlines for Workers’ Comp Claims
The first step in filing for workers’ compensation benefits in Summerlin is formally notifying the employer whose workers’ comp insurance will cover an injury or illness. This entails filling out Form C-1 (Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease) and submitting it to the injured or sick worker’s employer within seven days of when they first got hurt or first were diagnosed with their illness.
Additionally, if a work-related injury or illness is serious enough to need any kind of professional medical treatment, the injured or sick employee must fill out Form C-4 (Employee’s Compensation Report of Initial Treatment), inform the treating physician that they will be making a workers’ comp claim, and have that physician fill out the required sections of the form. This form must then be submitted to the claims administrator for the workers’ comp insurance provider that covers the injured or sick worker’s employer within 90 days of their initial injury or diagnosis.
All the required forms are available on the website for the Division of Industrial Relations within the Nevada Department of Business & Industry. A seasoned legal professional could assist with finding, completing, and submitting all necessary paperwork to begin the claims filing process in the correct way.
A Summerlin Attorney Could Help with Filing for Workers’ Compensation
Seeking workers’ compensation benefits after a serious workplace accident can be an intimidating process. Even a small mistake or omission during the claims process could seriously impact what benefits you are ultimately able to receive, or whether you receive benefits at all.
Fortunately, you have assistance available from our team at Shook & Stone. We know the ins and outs of filing for workers’ compensation in Summerlin, Sovana, Rhodes Ranch, and all over the Las Vegas area. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
