Whether you work in an office building or a more industrial setting, an injury on the job can happen at any time. If you are injured at work, you have legal rights that you can assert to get compensation.
If you are unsure what to do after a workplace accident in Las Vegas, your next call should be to an experienced attorney. At Shook & Stone, our team of dedicated workers’ comp lawyers regularly helps injured employees seek fair financial recovery after getting hurt on the job.
The system is not set up to serve injured workers. A skilled advocate who is deeply knowledgeable about the regulations involved could represent your best interests and negotiate with insurers for the benefits you need and deserve.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents and Injuries
Workplace accidents often arise from several types of factors. Some of the most frequently reported causes of workplace accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Loud noises
- Environmental toxins
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Slip and falls or trip and falls
- Striking or crushing incidents
- Exposure to repetitive stress motions
These incidents can lead to injuries ranging from strained muscles to neck and back injuries to broken bones. Sometimes, the accidents could have been avoided entirely if a person or company had not violated a regulation. In other circumstances, a workplace injury may result from a freak accident where no one is to blame. Regardless, workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to claim numerous forms of compensation.
Important Next Steps After a Workplace Accident
Since most companies in Nevada have to carry workers’ compensation coverage, you should be entitled to these benefits if you are injured while working. After you are injured in a workplace accident, you need to contact an attorney in Las Vegas as soon as possible who could help you get a claim started.
Strict time limitations apply to work injury claims, so we can help you get the ball rolling promptly while protecting your legal rights throughout the process. You have just seven days to report your injury to your employer after you are hurt on the job.
Your employer should provide a list of covered healthcare providers so you can start getting medical treatment. You also have to mail your workers’ compensation claim form in no later than 90 days from the date of injury. We can help you submit the correct forms and supporting information required.
Workers’ Comp Coverage and Third-Party Lawsuits
Workers’ compensation benefits can cover multiple costs associated with your work injury. Not only should all your medical treatment from an authorized medical provider be covered, but you could also receive additional benefits if your injury inflicts a temporary or permanent disability.
In addition to helping you through the workers’ compensation claims process, we can also advise whether you may have grounds to file a third-party claim. In most cases, Nevada law prevents you from suing your employer, even if you believe they were at fault for your accident.
However, if a third party—such as a colleague or subcontractor—caused your injury, you might be able to claim compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. A successful personal injury claim can pay compensation above and beyond what workers’ compensation benefits would cover. For example, you could collect compensation for future lost earning capacity, pain, and suffering.
Get Help from a Las Vegas Workplace Accident Attorney
Workers’ compensation is a fault-free system, so in theory, if you are injured at work and your employer carries this insurance coverage, you should be able to get benefits. In practice, the reality is often far more nuanced.
Employers and their insurance carriers frequently deny claims or offer low settlement amounts far below what the worker is actually owed. And if a third party other than your employer had a role in your accident that occurred on the job, you may be entitled to claim compensation beyond workers’ comp benefits.
We could help you understand what to do after a workplace accident in Las Vegas, explain your legal rights, and answer your questions. To learn more about starting a work injury claim, contact Shook & Stone today and receive your free, one-on-one case consultation.
