Nevada Workers' Compensation Laws

Nevada is known for its relatively friendly business regulations, causing some companies to flock to the Silver State. While this is good news for the state's economy, workers here are just as susceptible to on-the-job injuries as those in other states. Therefore, the state requires employers to purchase workers' compensation insurance, which covers work-related injuries and illnesses regardless of fault.

So, whether you broke an ankle during your Vegas dance routine, or lost a finger repairing slot machines, you'll need to understand the process for pursuing workers' compensation in Nevada if you've been injured or fallen ill because of your job.

The table below outlines key aspects of the workers' compensation laws in Nevada, including important timelines and some types of benefits.

Important Deadlines	7 days to inform employer of injury to receive maximum benefits (Sec. 616C.015) 90 days to file claim for compensation if employee sought medical treatment or missed work due to the injury/illness; 1 year in case of death (Sec. 616C.020)
Some Types of Benefits	Accident benefits: medical treatment, supplies, equipment, generic drugs, etc. (Sec. 616A.035, 616C.245) Permanent total disability: compensate employee rendered permanently unable to work (Sec. 616C.435 et seq.) Temporary total disability: compensate worker totally, but temporarily disabled from work (Sec. 616C.475 et seq.) Permanent partial disability: compensate for permanent damage and wage loss even though worker is able to return to work (Sec. 616C.485 et seq.) Temporary partial disability: compensate employee while recovering from injury but able to work for less pay (Sec. 616C.500) Rehabilitation: services and training if employee has permanent restrictions on ability to work and pre-injury employer is unable to accommodate those restrictions (Sec. 616C.530 et seq.) Death benefits: for burial costs up to $10,000; payments to spouse and dependents of an employee who dies from a work-related injury or disease (Sec. 616C.035 & 616C.505 et seq.)
Employer Rights & Obligations	All employers required to purchase workers' compensation insurance or obtain approval for self-insurance (with limited exceptions) (Sec. 616B.612, 616B.633) Insurer has 30 days to deny or approve claims (Sec. 616C.065) Employer may direct employee to submit to examination by physician or chiropractor (Sec. 616C.010, 616C.140)

Sick or Injured? See a Doctor and Tell Your Employer

If you've been injured, you should get medical attention and submit a Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease form to your employer within seven days. You have a limited right to choose your own physician, so you should check with your employer at first. If you do get medical treatment or miss work, you must file a claim for compensation within 90 days. The insurance company then has 30 days to either deny your claim or accept it and begin making payments.

What if There's a Problem with My Claim?

In exchange for workers' compensation, you generally give up your right to sue your employer. However, if your claim is denied or there is a dispute regarding benefits, you do have options, including the following:

Call the insurance claims adjuster and attempt to resolve the issue with them; or
Request a hearing with a hearing officer within 70 days

If you disagree with the hearing officer's conclusion, you may appeal the decision within 30 days. Many employees choose to have an attorney help with hearings and appeals by preparing evidence, tracking deadlines, and arguing their case.

Injured at Work? Get Help With Compensation From a Nevada Attorney

Workplace injuries and illnesses can cause both physical and financial pain. Workers' compensation benefits can go a long way to alleviating some of that stress, but you'll need to know the state's deadlines and other requirements in order to receive them. Let a Nevada injury attorney familiar with the state's workers' compensation laws help you today.