Reno, NV Workers’ Compensation Attorney

When unsafe work conditions result in an injury or life-altering illness, it’s only fair that you have a way to continue to provide for yourself and your family. Employers in the State of Nevada are required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation coverage. If you were injured while working, you may be entitled to a portion of your lost wages along with compensation for your medical expenses.

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Richard Harris Law Firm know how important your job is to you. We also understand the stress that you must be under when that income is taken away or reduced due to a work-related accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured while working in Reno, Nevada, our attorneys are here to help. Workers’ compensation is one of our main practice areas. Call us 24/7 at (702) 213-9779 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation of your case. 

What are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

The State of Nevada requires that all employers with one or more employees obtain and maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job and also protects the employers from having lawsuits filed against them in case of accidents.

Workers’ compensation benefits are paid out regardless of fault and may include:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): When the employee is completely disabled and has limitations the employer is unable to meet

• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Supplemental income for an employee who has returned to work but earning less than previously

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): A lump sum payout based on a percentage of the disability, the injured worker’s wage, and age

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): An amount of money paid to workers when they are unable to work for the rest of their lives

• Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance: A monetary payout to injured workers while they receive training for a different occupation

• Vocational Rehabilitation Training: Compensation that allows the injured worker to train in a different field

Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Reno, Nevada

The residents of Reno, Nevada, work in a number of different industries, and work injuries can take many different forms. Some injuries covered by workers’ comp are those that happen quickly, like slip-and-falls; others may occur gradually over time, such as repetitive motion injuries.

In order to recover workers’ compensation benefits, you must be able to prove that you were hurt on the job and that your resulting condition prevents you from being able to work and earn a wage. The following are some common causes of workers’ compensation claims.

Slip-and-falls

Injuries caused by slip-and-falls are one of the most common causes of workers’ compensation cases. Most of these injuries are preventable accidents that could have been minimized by risk assessment in the workplace, along with the introduction of appropriate safety measures to counter the risks.

Slip and fall injuries at work may be caused by:

• Slippery or wet floors without a caution sign
• Spills that weren’t cleaned up
• Debris or clutter left in walkways
• Poorly lit stairwells, walkways, or parking lots
• Torn carpet, loose rugs, or other uneven surfaces

Some slip-and-falls are relatively minor while others can lead to life-altering injuries. If you were injured by slipping and falling at your place of employment, don’t hesitate to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Motor vehicle accidents

If you were injured in an accident while driving or riding in a vehicle for work-related reasons, you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

Work-related tasks involving a motor vehicle may include:

• Running a work-related errand
• Driving another employee for job-related purposes
• Making a delivery
• Traveling for work
• Commuting from one worksite to another

An employee whose main task is driving, such as a package delivery worker, taxi driver, or trucker, can also file for workers’ compensation if involved in a collision while on the job.

An employee cannot file for workers’ compensation when involved in a motor vehicle accident outside of working hours. For instance, if you are commuting to or from work or are on your lunch break.

Repetitive motion injuries

When people consider workers’ comp injury, they might think of a catastrophic event, like a worker falling from a ladder. However, other types of workplace injuries – including repetitive motion injuries – may also be covered under Nevada workers’ compensation insurance.

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is chronic pain that develops in the muscles, nerves, or tendons as a result of repeating certain movements frequently over a period of time which can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and

back injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some 1.8 million workers develop MSDs every year.

Industries where repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) commonly occur include:

• Trade jobs: Electricians, plumbers, and construction workers often need to stand or hunch over at awkward angles for extended periods of time while tightening bolts, hammering, and performing countless other tasks

• • Office workers: RSIs are common among those who work in an office setting, especially those who spend their days working on a computer

• Medical workers: Nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapists, and other healthcare workers may have to lift patients out of a bed or wheelchair or perform other duties that put a strain on their legs, arms, and back

• Factory workers: Employees that work in a factory or on an assembly line may repeat the same motion continuously throughout an entire shift

• Cleaning staff: Janitors and housecleaning staff who mop, scrub, and make beds often perform the same movements throughout the day

Struck by an object

Falling objects pose a serious threat to workers in Reno, NV, and can be caused by a wide range of working conditions. This could include getting struck by a flying, rolling, swinging, or falling object.

Examples of reasons why struck-by accidents occur include:

• Unsecured beams
• Defective machinery
• Loose equipment
• Improperly loaded lumber
• Tools or building materials falling below the scaffolding
• Road workers being struck by a passing vehicle
• Insufficient training to identify safety hazards

Being struck can cause a number of different painful and life-threatening injuries. If you have been hit by an object, a personal injury lawyer from our legal firm can help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits that you’re entitled to. It all starts with a free consultation.

Electrocution

Electricians, utility workers, cable workers, and construction workers are at a higher risk of being electrocuted and suffering a serious or even fatal injury.

Common causes of on-the-job electrical injuries include:

• Frayed electrical cords
• Damaged power lines
• Wiring issues
• Damaged or overloaded circuits
• Contact with electrical circuits while working with machinery

The injuries caused by electrocution vary, depending on the type and level of electrical current and how the current enters a person’s body. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately following electrocution to address burn injuries and other afflictions.

You should also speak with an attorney as soon as possible. If you were at a jobsite and got injured, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage.

Overexertion

Overexertion occurs when a repetitive task results in an injury due to excessive physical effort. When you push yourself beyond your physical capabilities, your overall health can be negatively impacted.

The injuries most commonly associated with overexertion include:

• Back injury
• Ankle sprain
• Neck injury
• Knee injury
• Hernia
• Heat exhaustion

What seems like a harmless task in a workplace could lead to a severe injury. If you think that you have sustained an overexertion injury, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Often, overexertion injuries don’t cause much pain initially, but the pain gets worse over time.

Signs You Need to Hire Reno Workers’ Compensation Attorney

After being involved in a workplace accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a workers’ comp lawyer or if you can simply file a claim with your employer on your own. There are many situations where it is recommended to have a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. If your situation fits into one of the following scenarios, you should seek legal advice from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

Your employer delays your claim

After sustaining a work-related injury, you’ll want to inform your employer as soon as possible. Once notified, your employer must fill out the required forms, contact his or her insurance company, and file a work comp insurance claim.

If your employer fails to act quickly and fill out the necessary documents, your claim could be negatively affected, but a workers’ comp lawyer can ensure that all necessary documents are correctly filed on time.

Your claim is denied

Insurance companies may deny a claim for numerous different reasons. Fortunately, if your claim is denied, you can fight to have the denial reversed. Nonetheless, filing extra paperwork and appearing before a workers’ compensation committee isn’t likely to be something you were prepared for.

Fortunately, your lawyers can help you through each stage of the appeal process. They will file all paperwork, present evidence at your hearing, and ensure your case is handled properly. Our knowledgeable legal team has helped many injured employees in Nevada appeal workers’ compensation denials and win.

You are unable to receive the medical treatment you need

If you were harmed on the job, you deserve the best medical treatment available to you in Reno, Nevada. Your injury may require surgery and other extensive treatment.

It’s clear that you have need, but what if you can’t afford all the bills? The insurance company may delay or deny approving the medical care you need, especially if the treatment is costly.

Our law firm is not only highly experienced in work comp appeals, but we are also familiar with the hospitals and many of the doctors in the Reno area. Therefore, our attorneys know what steps are necessary to get you the medical care you need to recover from your injury.

You have a pre-existing condition

If you had a pre-existing condition prior to sustaining your workplace injury, then you can be sure that the insurance company is going to try to use it as an excuse to deny your claim. For example, if you had a back injury years ago, they may blame your new pain on your previous condition.

Contrary to what the insurance adjuster may claim, a previous injury does not disqualify you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The experienced workers’ comp attorneys at our law firm can provide legal advice and pursue your compensation on your behalf.

You have a long-term or permanent injury

A permanent partial disability means that the employee is still able to return to work, just not in the same capacity as before, whereas a permanent total disability leaves an employee unable to work altogether.

An employer is more likely to contest a long-term or permanent disability claim because it’s more costly and could result in high workers’ comp insurance premiums.

You’re being accused of fraud

Workers’ compensation fraud is illegal. It occurs when (1) an employee falsely claims to be injured while at work, or (2) an employee collects disability benefits over the amount allowed for his or her situation.

If your employer is accusing you of fraud, it’s important to speak to a Reno workers’ compensation lawyer right away. Our attorneys will investigate your case and defend your legal right to benefits.

You have a third-party claim

The workers’ compensation program in Nevada is designed to protect an employer from having a lawsuit filed against him or her if an employee is injured on the job. You are therefore unable to sue your employer for his or her own mistake in most situations.

However, there may be a third party responsible for the workplace accident and resulting injuries. For example, if a dangerous product or faulty piece of machinery was the cause of the incident, then a lawsuit could potentially be filed against the manufacturer or distributor.

It’s always the best policy to pursue all possible avenues of getting compensation. Third-party claims may result in a larger settlement being awarded to the injured party. The Reno workers’ compensation attorneys at our law firm can investigate your case and determine whether filing a third-party claim is possible for you.

What Should and Shouldn’t You Do After a Reno Workplace Injury

If you have suffered a work-related injury, then it’s important to act quickly to collect the damages and benefits that you’re legally entitled to. The actions that you take immediately following a workplace accident can affect whether your claim is approved or denied.

The following are some things you should do after sustaining an injury at your place of employment:

• Seek medical attention
• Report the accident to your employer right away
• Confirm that somebody filed an official report of the incident
• Obtain eyewitness testimonies from any party that saw the accident occur
• Check whether there was a security camera and video evidence of your accident
• Speak to a workers’ compensation attorney before giving a recorded statement

On the other hand, there are also some things you shouldn’t do after a job-related injury:

• Don’t let anyone talk you out of reporting the accident
• Don’t sign any form that could release your employer from liability
• Don’t post about your case on social media or discuss it with anyone other than the necessary parties
• Don’t settle before consulting with the workers’ compensation attorneys at Richard Harris Law Firm to learn about your legal rights and options

Contact Our Reno Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today

It can be a complex and frustrating process to obtain benefits under the Nevada workers’ compensation program, but never fear. When Richard Harris Law Firm takes on your case, our Reno workers’ compensation attorneys will guide you through every step of the filing process and represent you in court when necessary.

We can also investigate whether there are any additional parties liable for your accident. If so, then we can pursue compensation from them on your behalf. This way, we ensure that you receive maximum compensation.

Our legal team understands that a workplace injury can severely impact your life. Thus, we are passionate and determined to work diligently to recover the compensation you deserve when we take on your case. With decades of legal experience behind us, our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion in damages on behalf of our clients over the years.

Get your life back today. Schedule a free consultation with one of the compassionate Reno workers’ compensation lawyers with Richard Harris Law Firm. Call or text us 24/7 or start a live chat with a member of our team.