Las Vegas is an entertainment center and many of its residents work in the entertainment and hospitality industry, which can be accident prone. Fortunately, many, if not all, Las Vegas employees receive protection while at work from the no-fault workers’ compensation insurance cover that their employer must carry by Nevada law. A workers’ comp. claim can help pay for medical treatment and replace lost wages. Without workers’ comp. it may still be possible to claim compensation with the help of an attorney by filing a personal injury claim against your employer if your employer’s negligence caused your injury. Choosing a Workers’ Comp. Attorney in Las Vegas The city of Las Vegas has a population of over 630,000. Las Vegas has over 80 licensed attorneys who deal with workers’ compensation claims, not as many as many other cities of similar size. It is always advisable to select a licensed attorney with the relative expertise and experience when seeking a suitable attorney. It can be safe to say that there is a reasonable choice of suitably qualified attorneys in Las Vegas if you have had the misfortune to suffer a workplace injury or illness. Common Injuries at Work in Las Vegas It may be of no surprise to learn that more employees in the entertainment and hospitality industries get injured or become sick because of their work than any others in Las Vegas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics database*. Mostly, this is simply a reflection of the percentage of workers who are employed in these sectors. Injuries in the entertainment and hospitality industries are very varied. Many performers actually work long hours and may not necessarily work in safe working environments. Slips, trips and falls would make up some of the more common accidents related to these sorts of work, although it is hard to generalize. Some employees are also exposed to abusive behavior from drunken or arrogant guests and may not always have the back-up they need when threatened. The Workers’ Compensation Process in Las Vegas Most employees are protected by workers’ compensation insurance in Nevada, although there are important exceptions. If you are injured at work or develop a workplace related illness you will need to inform your employer and fill in an accident report as soon as you are able to do so, but in any case within 7 days of the injury. Your claim for compensation is normally submitted to your employer’s insurer rather than the state’s Division of Industrial Relations (DIR). This must be done within 90 days of the injury. The insurer is expected to deliver a response within 30 days of receipt of the claim and may start paying benefits. However, the claim may also be denied for several possible reasons. You may still be able to obtain compensation, but this will involve making an appeal through the DIR with the help of a workers’ comp. attorney. If your employer does not have workers’ comp. insurance and you believe that your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. This is filed with the Clark County District Court located in Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas. Your attorney will ensure you use the correct form for your petition and file it within the time period imposed by the state’s statute of limitations. Use a Free Claim Evaluation to Find a Suitable Las Vegas Based Attorney If you are considering filing a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurer or a personal injury claim against your employer because of an injury or illness at work, it can be daunting knowing which attorney to choose. There are so many who seem to be suitable and you are under pressure to file the claim in a timely manner. Use our free claim evaluation form below to select a Las Vegas workers’ comp. attorney who can help you claim the compensation you need. Additional Resources Denied Workers' Compensation in Nevada? Workers’ Compensation in Nevada *Source: bls.gov/iif/oshstate.htm#NV
