If you were injured on the job, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation case. In the state of Nevada, workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help pay for medical expenses related to the injury you sustained, to compensate you for any time you miss off of work and to compensate you for any permanent injuries you may have suffered as a result of the accident that left you injured.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not there to help you. This is why you may want to hire a workers’ comp attorney to assist you. Here are a few of the different ways you can get help with your workers’ compensation case.
Determining If You Have a Compensable Case
One of the first things that a personal injury attorney can do to assist you is to determine if you have a compensable case. There are certain criteria that must be met in order to eligible for coverage. In the state of Nevada, all employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for all of their employees. But they are not required to carry coverage on independent contractors or those who own the business. As such, if you are not an employee, you may not be covered. Additionally, you must have been at work or doing your job duties when you were injured to be covered. An attorney can determine if you meet the criteria and help you file a case if you do.
Fighting Denials
Another form of help a personal injury attorney can provide is to fight denials. The insurance company has 90 days from the day you file a claim with your employer to either accept or deny the case. If they deny it, you must appeal the denial within a set period of time. An attorney can help you fight the denial and get the workers’ compensation coverage that you are entitled to.
Helping You to Get Medical Care and Treatment
One of the lesser known ways a lawyer can help is by helping you to get the medical treatment and care you may be entitled to. Getting medical care when you were hurt on the job is not always easy. Not every doctor will treat workplace injuries, nor does every doctor know how to properly fill out workers’ compensation injury forms and reports.
An attorney works with doctors who are familiar with workers’ compensation reporting and treatment guidelines. This helps to ensure you get the help you need and that the reports are being properly filled out. This helps you to get payment in a timely manner, expedites approvals for future medical needs, and bolsters your case when it comes time to settle.
Answering Any Questions You May Have
Those who file workers’ compensation often have many questions. They may not understand what to expect, how the process works, when they will be paid, how much they will be paid or when they should seek medical treatment. Having a personal injury attorney assist you ensures that you have someone available to answer any questions you may have. This can ease any fears or anxiety you have about the process and ensures you are doing everything on your end to get the compensation and treatment you are entitled to.
Ensuring You Get a Fair Settlement or Award
Lastly, a personal injury lawyer can help you with your workers’ compensation case by ensuring you get a fair settlement or award. Your settlement provides you with compensation for future medical expenses related to your injuries, loss of future earnings and compensate you for any permanent injuries you may have. A lawyer knows what your case is worth and will fight vigorously for you to get you the maximum amount of money possible.
Conclusion
Have you been injured on the job in Southern Nevada? If so, hire a Las Vegas personal injury attorney who can assist you with your workers’ compensation case. At Ed Bernstein & Associates, we would love the opportunity to discuss your case with you and explain what we have to offer you. Call us now to schedule your free consultation.