You should not have to struggle to cover your expenses after being involved in a work-related accident. Unfortunately, far too many injury victims find themselves pressured to go back to work sooner, ultimately leading to worsening injuries or injuries that never fully heal. With help from a respected Laughlin workers’ compensation lawyer from H&P Law, you can access the financial support you need when you need it most.
After an on-the-job injury, you may have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. Find out whether you meet the eligibility criteria and how to challenge an unjust claim denial when you contact a dedicated Laughlin personal injury attorney from our firm for help. Schedule your free consultation today to regain control of your finances so you can focus on your recovery.
These Work-Related Accidents May Warrant Legal Action
Work-related accidents and injuries can occur no matter what industry you work in. However, there is no denying that some industries are more dangerous to work in than others and certain industries are inherently dangerous. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the professions that see the greatest number of injuries:
- Commercial pilots
- Tree pruners and trimmers
- Farm and ranch workers
- Logging workers
- Roofers
- Supervisors in forestry, fishing, and farming
- Agricultural equipment workers
Working in another industry does not mean you do not have grounds for a claim. In fact, individuals who work behind a desk all day may also have the right to workers’ compensation benefits in the event of an on-the-job injury. Repetitive stress injuries, slips and falls, and even emotional distress are common in these lines of work, according to Injury Prevention and Environmental Health.
You Have the Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
It is surprising how many workers do not understand their rights. Under the Employee Guide to Workers’ Compensation, all employers who have one or more employees are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This coverage should extend to you from the day you are hired and applies to all types of employees, including:
- Temporary employees
- Seasonal employees
- Part-time employees
- Full-time employees
However, independent contractors are not covered by their client’s workers’ compensation protection coverage. Independent contractors with registered businesses may need to carry workers’ comp coverage to protect themselves. In that case, if you were involved in a work-related accident, it would be up to you and your Laughlin workers’ compensation lawyer to file a claim with your workers’ comp insurance provider.
You May Be Entitled to These Workers’ Comp Benefits
Accessing financial support after a work-related injury can be a godsend. When you are struggling to get by living paycheck to paycheck, taking even one afternoon off of work could be financially devastating. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can protect you and offer you the security you need to heal from your injuries and avoid financial ruin.
Wage Replacement
Arguably the most important type of workers’ comp. benefits, wage replacement, or disability benefits will help you stay afloat while you are out of work. While wage replacement benefits will not cover the total value of your earnings, the law requires they be paid at a rate of 66 2/3%, according to NRS §616A.065. Typically, you can continue collecting disability benefits until your injuries resolve or you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Vocational Rehabilitation
Certain types of injuries are life-changing and may prevent you from returning to work. If this is the case, you may need to go back to school or learn a new trade so you can re-enter the workforce. Fortunately, your employer’s workers’ comp. protection coverage may offer vocational rehabilitation benefits, according to the State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry.
Not everyone will be eligible for vocational rehabilitation. If you are able to continue working at a reduced capacity, you may be required to continue working to receive the workers’ comp. benefits you have been approved for but at a reduced rate. Only if your injuries prevent you from continuing to earn a living in your pre-injury profession will you qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits.
Medical Expenses
Your on-the-job injuries may be costly in more ways than one. With the cost of healthcare being as high as it is, even minor injuries can cost several thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Thankfully, the insurance company will be responsible for paying every single medical expense as it relates to your work injury.
If you accept a lump sum settlement from the insurance company, you may miss out on compensation for your medical expenses in the future. It is not unusual for work injuries to worsen or for an employee’s physical condition to deteriorate after a work-related accident. If you accept a lump sum settlement offer, you may be stuck covering the costs of your future medical expenses.
Death Benefits
Your workers’ compensation attorney in Laughlin with H&P law can help you through this difficult time if you lost someone you love in a work-related accident. Nevada workers’ compensation laws under NRS §616C.505 allow for surviving spouses and children to collect death benefits. Generally, these benefits consist of monthly disability payments at a rate of 2/3 of the decedent’s average monthly income, full coverage of the decedent’s medical expenses, and coverage of the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses up to $10,000.
Death benefits can continue for the rest of your life if you are the surviving spouse of a worker who suffered a fatal injury. The decedent’s surviving children can continue to receive death benefits until they reach the age of 18 or 22 if they are attending college or trade school. You can find out whether you are eligible for death benefits or a potential wrongful death lawsuit when you contact a compassionate wrongful death lawyer or workers’ compensation lawyer in Laughlin for help.
Connect with Laughlin’s Premier Workers’ Compensation Law Firm
Unfortunately, it is not unusual for insurance companies to deny work injury victims the benefits they are entitled to. If you are covered by your employer’s workers’ comp. insurance policy, you should be awarded the benefits you need in a timely manner and continue to collect these benefits until you are capable of returning to work. Since the insurance company will lose money by paying out on your claim, denials and pushback are common.
You do not need to tolerate your employer discouraging you from seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Assert your rights with help from a trusted Laughlin workers’ compensation attorney from H&P Law. Fill out our convenient contact form or call our office to schedule your in-person or virtual, no-cost, risk-free consultation at your convenience.
