What Nevada Workers’ Comp Benefits Actually Cover – And What They Don’t

Understanding Nevada Workers’ Comp Benefits: A Guide for Injured Workers

If you’ve been hurt on the job, you’re probably wondering exactly what Nevada workers’ comp benefits cover. At our Reno law firm, we help injured workers navigate these confusing matters every day. Recovering physically, emotionally, and financially can feel overwhelming. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the benefits available to you.

This guide breaks down precisely what benefits you can expect under Nevada’s workers’ compensation system — and equally important, what benefits are not included.

What Are Nevada Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Workers’ compensation provides support to employees injured on the job. In Nevada, this system protects both workers and employers by ensuring injured employees receive necessary assistance. These benefits help you recover and return to work without filing a lawsuit.

Nevada Workers’ Comp Benefits Include:

Medical Treatment

You receive coverage for essential medical care, such as:

• Hospital visits
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication
• Medical devices like braces or crutches

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

If you can’t work at all during recovery, you receive wage replacement, which usually equals two-thirds of your average weekly wage.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

If you return to work but with reduced hours or pay, this benefit covers a portion of your lost income.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

For injuries that cause lasting impairments but don’t completely prevent you from working, you may receive a lump sum or structured payment.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

If your injury prevents you from ever working again, you can receive lifelong wage replacement.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you can’t return to your old job, you may get help with training, education, and job placement.

Mileage Reimbursement

You can be reimbursed for travel to and from approved medical appointments.

Death Benefits

If a workplace injury causes death, your surviving dependents may qualify for compensation, including burial expenses.

For more details, visit the Nevada Department of Business and Industry’s Workers’ Compensation page, which offers official resources for injured workers and employers.

What Nevada Workers’ Comp Benefits Do Not Cover

It’s equally important to know what workers’ comp does not cover:

• Pain and suffering: You won’t receive compensation for emotional distress or mental anguish.
• Punitive damages: Nevada’s system prevents lawsuits that seek additional damages beyond benefits.
• Unapproved medical treatment: The insurer only covers care they authorize.
• Injuries outside work duties: Injuries occurring outside your job tasks typically don’t qualify.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), workplace injuries lead to millions of missed workdays annually, which highlights the importance of timely and accurate workers’ comp coverage.

Common Misconceptions About Nevada Workers’ Comp Benefits

Many injured workers have misunderstandings that can harm their claims. For example:

• “I can choose any doctor I want.”
  Actually, Nevada law requires you to see a physician from an approved provider list, unless it’s an emergency.
• “I’m guaranteed a settlement.”
  In reality, only certain injuries qualify for permanent impairment compensation.
• “I can’t be fired while on workers’ comp.”
  While employers cannot fire you for filing a claim, they may terminate you for unrelated reasons. However, wrongful termination laws may provide protection.

How a Reno Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help

Navigating Nevada workers’ comp benefits can be complicated. When claims are delayed, denied, or underpaid, you need expert help. An experienced workers’ comp attorney in Reno can:

• Ensure your medical care is fully covered
• Maximize your wage replacement benefits
• Appeal denied claims effectively
• Protect your rights if pressured to return to work early
• Negotiate fair permanent impairment settlements

Reno Workers’ Compensation Attorney – Jay Short

Injured at work in Reno, Nevada? Jay Short is a dedicated Reno workers’ compensation lawyer who helps employees file and fight for their workers’ comp benefits. From repetitive stress injuries to serious accidents, we focus solely on Nevada workers’ comp law to get you the compensation you deserve.

Schedule your free consultation today at (775) 786-2006 or contact us online.