If you think you are responsible for a workplace injury, think again. In Nevada, companies that have at least one employee must offer workers’ compensation benefits. You could qualify for these and use them to cover your medical bills and other injury-related losses. Find out if you do by meeting with a Reno workplace injury lawyer to review your legal options.Â
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers has over 150 years of combined legal experience. A Reno workers’ compensation lawyer familiar with Nevada’s workers’ compensation system can learn about you and your on-the-job injury. We can help you file a workers’ comp claim or appeal a denial. Schedule a free case consultation with us.Â
A Reno workplace injury attorney teaches you about Nevada’s workers’ compensation system. They understand the top mistakes made after a job injury and help you avoid them. That way, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits that serve you well as you recover from your work injuries.Â
Nevada’s workers’ comp system is no-fault. This means you can receive benefits even if you are to blame for your workplace injury. The benefits you obtain can cover your lost wages, medical treatment costs, and other injury-related expenses. If you file a claim, your employer or their insurer may contest it. At this point, it pays to have a work injury lawyer on your side.Â
The legal team at Shook & Stone takes your case seriously. Tell us about your on-the-job injuries. From here, we can explain the impact of preexisting conditions on workers’ compensation claims and other topics relating to your case. We can determine if now is the right time to submit a claim or appeal one that was declined. Speak to us today.Â
Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation claims process offers no guarantees. Your employer or their insurer can dispute your claim. If either succeeds, your benefits request can be denied.
A workplace injury lawyer in Reno knows what challenges you will face during the claims process. They offer legal guidance and support across several areas, including:
Your lawyer helps you complete Form C-4 and submit it to your employer. They gather witness statements, medical records, and other documentation to strengthen your claim. This minimizes the risk that your employer or their insurer can say that you provide the necessary paperwork or file your claim in a timely manner. Â
Your attorney wants you to find the right doctor and do what is necessary to treat your work injuries. Meanwhile, they handle your legal matters.
Your lawyer keeps you updated as the claims process moves forward. If you have concerns or questions at any point during this process, your attorney will address them.Â
Your lawyer evaluates your claim denial letter with you. They can appeal in accordance with Nevada law. When they do, they develop an argument that makes it clear as to why the initial decision against you should be reversed.Â
Your attorney examines an insurance company’s settlement offer with you. They can advise you on what to do with a proposal and explain if they believe it is fair.
You have the final say on this offer. If you decide not to proceed with it, your lawyer continues to represent you and look for ways to help you get the benefits you want.Â
Your lawyer knows the ins and outs of Nevada’s workers’ comp system. They share their legal knowledge and insights with you. No matter what happens with your claim, your attorney puts your legal rights front and center.Â
Along with these things, a workplace injury attorney in Reno offers a permanent partial disability calculator for workers’ compensation in Nevada and other tools and resources. They help you make informed decisions at each stage of the claims process. If an appeal is warranted, your lawyer takes care of this for you. Â
You have 70 days from the date you get a workers’ compensation claim denial letter to appeal. The letter details why your benefits request was rejected. Your lawyer uses it to determine what evidence to submit with your appeal.Â
Appeals must be filed with the Nevada Department of Administration’s Hearings Division. You and your lawyer will have the opportunity to explain why you should get workers’ compensation benefits. A Hearing Officer will decide whether to affirm or overturn the original decision against you.
If a Hearing Officer rejects your request, you can appeal further. You have 30 days to appeal to an Appeals Officer. If this officer denies your request, you have 30 days to petition for a judicial review of the Appeals Officer’s decision with a district court.Â
Hire a work injury attorney who has an outstanding track record. Your lawyer can provide forms to help you begin the workers’ compensation claims process or appeal a rejected claim. They remain accessible as you try to prove that your workplace injury claim is valid.Â
Keep getting medical care for as long as you need it. Your workplace injuries are unlikely to heal if you do not treat them properly. Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor and follow their instructions to care for your injuries. Your lawyer can use your medical records as proof when you submit a claim or appeal a rejection.
Prioritize your overall wellness throughout the claims process. If you feel stressed or worried, it may be beneficial to seek professional counseling. In addition, communicate and collaborate with your lawyer. Together, you and your lawyer can build an argument that helps you get your claim approved.Â
Shook & Stone embodies the spirit and values of the Reno community. We blend blue-collar roots with a family-oriented approach to representing our clients.Â
If you get injured at work, we are here to help you secure workers’ compensation benefits. Contact us today for more information.