The benefits available in a Nevada workers’ compensation claim depend on the nature of the injury and how it affects your ability to work.
Medical Treatment
If your claim is accepted, medical treatment related to the industrial injury or occupational disease is generally covered. This can include doctor visits, imaging, medication, physical therapy, specialist care, and other necessary treatment.
Temporary Total Disability
If your doctor certifies that you cannot work for at least 5 consecutive days, or 5 cumulative days within a 20-day period, or places restrictions your employer cannot accommodate, you may be entitled to temporary total disability benefits.
Temporary Partial Disability
If you return to work but earn less because of restrictions, temporary partial disability benefits may be available in some cases, for up to 24 months under Nevada’s injured worker guidance.
Permanent Partial Disability or Permanent Total Disability
When your condition becomes medically stable, you may be evaluated for permanent impairment. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may qualify for a permanent partial disability award or, in more serious cases, permanent total disability benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Travel Reimbursement
Some injured workers may qualify for vocational rehabilitation if they cannot return to the same type of job because of lasting restrictions. Nevada materials also explain that reimbursement for certain travel expenses and per diem related to treatment may be available.
Why Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied or Delayed
Many people assume a workers’ compensation claim is straightforward because it involves a workplace injury. In reality, these claims are often disputed.
A claim may be delayed or denied because the injury was not reported on time, the employer contests whether the injury happened at work, the insurer argues the condition was pre-existing, or the medical evidence does not clearly connect the injury to the job. Disputes also come up when an injured worker is sent back to work too soon, treatment is cut off, or a disability rating seems too low.
When that happens, having someone review the claim, the medical records, and the deadlines can make a real difference.
