Nevada Workers’ Compensation Benefits Process

Important: We updated this article in December 2022 with the most accurate and current information available. If you were injured or got sick on the job in the Silver State, you should focus on getting better, not stressing about the claims process. Unless you’re a federal employee, state law determines how to handle your Nevada workers’ compensation claim. Here’s the information you need to understand the process and get the benefits you need.

Am I Eligible for Nevada Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

All employers with one or more employees must carry Nevada workers’ compensation insurance for full-time and part-time employees.

How Do I File a Nevada Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If your workplace injury or illness requires emergency or urgent care, seek treatment immediately. Pro Tip: Tell the doctor your injury or illness is work-related.

While every case is different, according to the State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry, follow these steps to apply for benefits:

1. Report your injury or illness to your supervisor as soon as possible. You must notify your employer within 90 days to qualify. Ask for a Form C-1, Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease Incident Report. Both you and your supervisor must sign and date the completed form within 7 days to maximize your benefits.
2. Get a list of insurer-authorized doctors from your employer before seeking additional treatment. Using an approved provider ensures your employer covers additional medical expenses.
3. Go to the doctor. At your first appointment, tell them your injury is work-related. Complete the top half of Form C-4, Employee’s Claim for Compensation/Report of Initial Treatment. Your doctor will fill out the rest and file it for you within 3 working days. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to sign and date the document.
4. Wait for a decision. Your employer’s insurer must approve or deny your claim within 30 days of receiving it. If denied, you have another 30 days to appeal. In most cases, this involves requesting a hearing before a hearing officer within 70 days.

For more about the Nevada workers’ compensation process, read the Employee Guide brochure here.

Get more details on what workers’ compensation benefits cover.

What Else Should I Know About Nevada Workers’ Compensation?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics analyzes workers’ comp data on most U.S. states and territories. The total number of recordable cases in the Sagebrush State decreased from 40,600 in 2017 to 33,900 in 2021. This was driven in part by a drop in service industry cases, which fell from 30,800 to 23,700 over the same period.

COVID-19 had a major influence on the numbers since many people were out of work. The number of employees who missed work, transferred or received restrictions changed relatively little during the same period.

Do I Qualify for Legal Assistance?

When you’re dealing with a work-related illness or injury, navigating the Nevada workers’ compensation system shouldn’t make you feel worse. You may want to hire an experienced attorney to help you get benefits faster. Your lawyer can negotiate with insurers, gather medical evidence to support your claim, and also represent you at appeals hearings.

Pro Tip: Workers’ comp attorneys don’t receive payment unless you get benefits. If your case is successful, then you only pay a reasonable, one-time fee.

Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!

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