When you get hurt at work, your employer usually provides you with information about the Workers’ Compensation program. Your supervisor or HR representative might also offer to help you with the claim forms and answer any questions. Employer representatives are likely sincere and mean well, but they are not the best people to help you with a Workers’ Compensation claim. If you are wondering, “Do I need a lawyer after a Summerlin work injury?” the correct answer is yes.
If your injury is not serious, and you can return to work quickly, handling the claim without help may work out fine. When the injury requires extensive medical treatment or keeps you out of work for more than a week, contact the seasoned workers’ comp attorneys at Shook & Stone. Our team can protect your rights and help you seek the necessary benefits.
Helping You Submit Your Claim
When you sustain a work-related injury, Nevada Revised Statutes § 616C.010 requires you to notify your employer within seven days. Sometimes, a work-related injury, illness, or condition does not result from an accident but develops over time. In that case, you must notify your employer immediately after the diagnosis.
You must see an employer-approved medical provider to make or confirm a diagnosis. They will fill out a form that you must submit along with your claim form to your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer.
When the injury keeps you out of work for more than a few days or if it might prevent you from ever returning to your current job, contact us at Shook and Stone. Our Workers’ Compensation attorneys will immediately request that your Summerlin employer preserve documentation and records that can support your claim. We can also help you prepare and submit your initial claim for benefits.
Appealing Claim Denials
Sometimes, your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer denies a claim. The insurer might contend that the injury is not work-related, your reported injury does not match your medical record, or does not require medical treatment or time off work. In other cases, the insurer might contend that you did not report your injury to your employer soon enough or your claim was not timely.
You will receive a determination letter from your employer’s insurer telling you why they are rejecting your claim in whole or in part. You can appeal the insurer’s decision and request a hearing before an administrative hearing officer.
You have limited time to object when the insurance company denies your claim. Speaking to a Summerlin attorney at Shook & Stone immediately after a claim denial for a work injury is important. Our team can help you appeal the decision and make a strong argument for a more favorable decision.
Contesting Medical Determinations
You are entitled to receive medical benefits until you can return to work without restrictions or the Workers’ Compensation doctor believes you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI). When the doctor certifies that you have reached MMI, it means they believe continued treatment will not be effective or increase your functioning.
You might believe you are not ready to return to work or need more restrictions before you can work safely. You might disagree that further treatment will not impact your condition and believe you can still regain more functioning. Having a Summerlin attorney in your corner when you disagree with the doctor’s opinion after an injury on the job is vital for successfully challenging the doctor’s recommendation.
Contact a Summerlin Attorney for Help After a Work Injury
If you are wondering whether you need a lawyer after a Summerlin work injury, you probably do. When you have a significant work-related injury or condition, navigating the Workers’ Compensation system can feel like a full-time job.
At Shook & Stone, our lawyers are dedicated to ensuring you receive all the benefits you have earned. Whether you are in Summerlin, Rhodes Ranch, Sovana, or Sun City, reach out today to speak to a caring and knowledgeable attorney during a free consultation.
