How to Prove a Workers’ Compensation Case

Nevada employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if injured on the job. They can also make a claim for benefits if they develop a job-related illness. These benefits include medical treatment, partial replacement of their wages, and disability benefits if the injury causes permanent impairment. To receive these benefits, an employee must prove that the injury or illness is work-related and occurred during the course of employment. A Nevada workers’ comp lawyer can help you recover the benefits you are entitled to and protect your rights.

What Are the Steps to Prove a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

There are steps to take when you’ve been injured on the job that help protect your claim, including:

• Report your illness or injury to your employer as soon as you can. Although you have up to seven days to report it, it’s better to do it right away.
• Your employer probably has a list of preferred medical providers. Go to one of these providers to have your condition treated, diagnosed and documented. Remember, if you go outside the preferred medical provider list, you will probably have to pay those bills yourself.
• Keep all your medical appointments and follow treatment recommendations. This provides evidence of your illness/injury. It also shows that you are cooperating in your treatment and trying to improve.

What Your Lawyer Does to Help Support Your Injury/Illness Claim

Your lawyer is experienced in handling workers’ compensation claims and can support your right to recover benefits, which helps you avoid financial stress while you are off work and recovering. Some of the areas in which your lawyer can help include:

• Preparing you for your deposition. A deposition is a document prepared under oath that details your illness or injury and how it occurred. Your lawyer can help you with this by ensuring the information is consistent and accurate. Otherwise, it might be contested. Although this might seem simple, details might become confusing with time, adversely affecting your claim.
• If the insurer denies your claim, your lawyer will represent you if you go before a Hearing Officer. Although these meetings are fairly short, you will get to present your side of what happened and the extent of your injury, but so will the insurer with the reasons the claim was denied. This is your opportunity to present medical records, possible security footage, and other records, as well as statements from witnesses that support your claim.
• If the hearing officer continues to deny your claim, you have the right to a hearing before the Appeals Officer. An attorney can use your medical records and other information to have your claim approved. 

You can successfully prove your Nevada workers’ comp case, receive your benefits, and receive the compensation you deserve by following these steps and working with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney if you encounter difficulties or feel overwhelmed at any point. Do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney for guidance and assistance. So, it is crucial to know your rights as an employee in Nevada and take the necessary steps to protect yourself in case of a workplace injury or illness.

Jay Short: Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Contact Jay Short – Attorney at Law for help if you have been injured at work or developed an illness due to your job. Injured workers deserve fair compensation, and it’s our mission to protect them. For a free consultation, please call (775) 786-2006 at any time of the day or night. Our online contact form is also available for your convenience.