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When you’ve been injured at work, it can be a scary and stressful time. You’re experiencing the pain of your injury, but you may also be thinking about whether you’ll lose your job and how you’re going to pay for your medical bills. If you were injured at work, you are most likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, there are some important steps you should take so you do not jeopardize your claim, and you keep yourself safe.
Report Your Injury to Your Employer
The first thing you should do is assess your injury to make sure you don’t need emergency medical assistance. After that, tell your employer as soon as possible about your injury. Nevada law requires you to notify your employer of your injury “as soon as practicable, but within 7 days.” Failing to timely report your injury can result in a denial of your claim. It is best to report it as soon as possible as there is less chance that your employer can claim that your injury did not occur at work. This is important even if you don’t know the severity of the injury and whether it will require medical treatment. Your employer should have you complete a Notice of Injury form, or they may have their own accident report form. If they don’t offer you the form, ask to complete an accident statement.
Get Medical Attention
It is very important to seek medical attention for your work injury, even if you initially feel like your injury isn’t serious. In order to initiate your claim, you must have a doctor complete a Request for Compensation form within 90 days of your injury. You are given 90 days because your injury may not seem severe at first, but a few days later, you could be experiencing excruciating pain. Not all injuries present symptoms immediately. However, it’s best not to wait until the last minute and make sure you see a doctor as soon as you can.
Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Although you are not required to have a workers’ compensation attorney to pursue your claim, there are important reasons you should consider hiring one. The workers’ compensation insurance company will likely have attorneys on their side, so you should even the playing field. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will ensure you receive all of the benefits to which you are entitled. An attorney can also help gather evidence and medical records that can help with your case, especially if your employer is disputing your claim.
GGRM Can Help.
If you’ve been injured at work, the attorneys at GGRM will be happy to evaluate your case for free. We have over 50 years of experiencing helping injured workers with their workers’ compensation claims. To set up your free consultation, contact us online or call us at 702-384-1616 today.