If you have suffered a serious injury or occupational illness while performing your job duties, you may face significant financial burden from mounting medical bills and lost income. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help you cope with these expenses, but the claims process can be challenging to navigate. There are ways to improve your chances of getting approved for benefits. Protect your rights by taking the following actions after experiencing a work injury.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured at Work 

1. Notify Your Employer 

First, notify your employer that you were injured. In Nevada, employees have seven days from the date the injury occurred to inform their employer of what happened. It’s best to make this initial report in writing, as it will serve as the foundation for your workers’ compensation claim. Waiting too long to report the injury can result in a denial of benefits. 

2. Get Medical Attention 

If your injury didn’t require emergency treatment, you will need to arrange to get medical attention on your own. There is no way to know the full extent of your injuries without a thorough examination and diagnosis from a health care professional. Be sure to tell your doctor the injury is work-related, remain consistent with treatment, and follow all of their orders. Neglecting to do so can cause your workers’ compensation claim to be delayed or denied. 

3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim 

Even if you’ve reported your injury, the worker’s compensation process won’t officially start until you have also filed an Employee’s Claim for Compensation with your employer’s insurance company. Under Nevada law, this must be done within 90 days of sustaining the injury. Your employer should be able to provide you with the correct paperwork, which you will need to fill out with a doctor.  

4. Obtain Legal Help 

Unfortunately, filing for workers’ compensation benefits is rarely ever straightforward. Your employer may dispute the claim or their insurance company might try to get you to settle for far less than you deserve. This is why it’s a good idea to consult an attorney. They will advise you of your rights and ensure you’re properly represented during hearings and appeals.

When you have sustained a work injury, it’s important to make sure you get the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to. The legal team at Kidwell & Gallagher have helped numerous Elko, NV, employees receive maximum compensation. They offer more than 20 years of experience handling workers’ comp cases and will take the hassle out of dealing with complicated insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. Call (775) 738-1000 to schedule a free case review, or visit them online for more information.