Workers’ compensation is an employer-funded insurance program that provides medical care and cash benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their work, and workers are never required to contribute to its cost. In Las Vegas, the program is overseen by the Nevada Workers’ Compensation Board, a state agency that processes claims and determines benefits, although injured workers must first file their claim with their employer rather than directly with the Board. Nevada requires employees to submit an incident report within seven days of an injury, after which the employer decides whether to accept or deny the claim. Accepting workers’ compensation benefits typically means giving up the right to sue your employer for the same injury, but if a claim is denied, legal action may be an option. Benefits can also be limited or refused in certain situations, such as injuries involving drugs or alcohol, incidents outside the scope of work, or unlawful behavior. Workers’ compensation generally does not cover federal employees, most independent contractors, volunteers, casual workers, or employees of very small companies. If an employer refuses to file or accept a claim, or if benefits fall short, consulting a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights. While workers’ compensation operates through a structured claims process, disputes remain part of the regular legal system, and state courts can provide a path forward when the system fails to meet an injured worker’s needs.
source: https://tingeylawfirm.com/what-is-workers-compensation-and-why-does-it-matter/
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