Reno Workers Comp Lawyers

Reno Workers’ Compensation Lawyers, Washoe County, NV

Strong advocacy for Nevada workers with workplace injuries or occupational illnesses

Reno is home to numerous employers including casinos, hotels, retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, and educational institutions. Construction work is being done on a continual basis. If you suffer any type of injury at work, it’s natural to wonder how you will pay your medical bills and your daily living expenses. For many workers who live paycheck to paycheck, being out of work can be frightening.

At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our Reno workers’ compensation lawyers understand all the arguments insurance companies make to try to deny your claim and force you back to work before you’re ready. Our lawyers have been recognized among the best in Nevada. In 2017, Sean Claggett was recognized by his fellow trial lawyers of the Nevada Justice Association as Nevada’s Trial Attorney of the Year. Our workers’ compensation lawyer has over 10 years of experience handling thousands of workers’ compensation cases across the state. We work with your doctors and independent doctors to verify your injuries and to show the medical care you’ll need to return to good health. We seek payment for all your medical expenses and your rightful share of temporary and permanent wage loss benefits.

Areas of Focus

FAQ-Photo

Quick Questions

 

Can you represent me in a workers’ compensation claim?

At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, we represent Reno employees in all types of industries. Many of our clients work in the following industries:

  • Police and firefighting
  • Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Casinos
  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Professional services
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Transportation
  • Railroad employees
  • Other work sectors

Our Reno workers’ compensation lawyers represent:

  • Workers who suffer injuries due to a workplace accident
  • Workers who suffer ill health due to an occupational disease
  • The families of deceased workers
  • Workers with Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) claims

What are the common causes of workplace injuries in Reno?

Workplace accidents happen in and near Reno for many reasons, including the following:

  • The are many types of falling accidents including:
    • Falls due to uneven surfaces, wet floors, objects on the floor, and other reasons.
    • Falls from high heights such as aerial lifts, scaffolds, ladders, and construction beams.
  • Workers who work long shifts and overtime are likely to drop something, make mistakes, or just pull a muscle. Workers should try to take regular breaks during the day.
  • Being hit by an object.Construction workers wear hard hats for a reason. Equipment, tools, and merchandise that fall can cause brain injuries and other serious injuries.
  • Being pinned by machinery or work vehicles. Many workers suffer forklift injuries and other injuries when the employer’s machines pin them against a wall, other equipment, or other objects.
  • Mechanical injuries.Many employees throughout Reno suffer back and other chronic injuries when they lift, pull, push, or carry heavy objects. Employers should instruct their workers on proper movement techniques.
  • Exposures to hazardous materials.Medical employees have a constant risk of infection. Manufacturing, construction, and sanitation workers may be exposed to toxins that can cause lung disorders or skin disorders.
  • Hearing Loss.Workers who are exposed to loud noises are at risk of permanent hearing loss.

Stress can cause workers to lose their concentration which can cause an accident. Poor lighting makes it easy to slip or trip and fall. Workers who work outside need to stay hydrated. Workers may also suffer car or truck accidents while doing their job. Electrical accidents are very common and very deadly. Many workplace accidents happen because the tools and equipment are defective.

There is no need to prove fault in a Nevada workers’ compensation case. Even if you negligently caused an accident, you could still file for workers’ compensation benefits.

What types of injuries are common in Reno?

Some of the injuries we are skilled at handling include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Fatal injuries
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
  • Ligament and muscle damage
  • Burn injuries
  • Electric shock
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Occupational illnesses such as asbestosis and black lung disease
  • Exposure to chemical toxins
  • Permanent hearing loss
  • Amputation

At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, we are experienced at representing workers who can never return to work again, and workers who can return if they receive quality healthcare. We understand the types of doctors and therapists that employees need to see for different types of injuries. We work with neurosurgeons, orthopedists, pain management doctors, and other specialists. We work with physical, occupational, vocational, speech, and other types of therapists. We understand what assistive devices, such as prostheses, can help.

What medical benefits can an injured or ill Reno employee claim?

Employers are required to pay the medical bills for eligible employees. These bills include ER care, burn center care, hospitalizations, physician care, and therapy. Medical benefits also include the cost of assistive devices and medications.

The medical compensation covers the care you need to maximize your health and the care you need to keep your health stable after you’ve reached the point of maximum medical improvement. Medical compensation includes all the medical care you reasonably need for the rest of your life. This compensation includes the cost to replace medical devices that often deteriorate due to wear and tear. In addition to coverage for physical injuries, workers’ compensation coverage may cover mental health and psychological care – if you’ve had a physical injury.

Generally, employees begin their medical care by choosing doctors from a list provided by the employer. Our Reno workers’ compensation lawyers explain if it is possible to see a doctor of your own choosing.

What wage loss benefits can an injured or ill Reno employee claim?

Employees who are injured due to a workplace accident are generally entitled to wage loss benefits – subject to certain caps and other conditions. The core benefits are:

  • Temporary wage loss benefits.In Nevada, workers are to entitled to temporary disability benefits in the amount of 2/3 of their average weekly wages – provided they are seeking medical help to treat their injuries. Workers may be required to return to work if their doctor says they can do light- duty work with restrictions.
  • Permanent partial disability benefits.At the end of the case, injured workers may receive a monetary award in a lump sum or installment payments for a permanent injury.
  • Permanent total disability benefits.  At the end of your case, if you have suffered an permanent injury and you are unable to work, you may be entitled to receive permanent total disability benefits for the remainder of your life. These benefits are paid out on a monthly basis, based on two-thirds of your average monthly wage, up to the State maximum wage.
  • Death Benefits.In Reno, if an employee dies due to an occupational illness or work-related injury:
    • The spouse (and children if no spouse) may receive monthly death benefit payments
    • The family may be entitled to up to $10,000 for funeral and burial expenses.

Employees may also be entitled to mileage reimbursement to their medical care providers and vocational rehabilitation expenses to help with retraining and finding a new job. For example, workers who did heavy physical labor may be eligible for vocational benefits to learn a clerical or technical job if they now have work restrictions which prevent them from performing their previous job.

Reno works may also be entitled to reopen their case if their condition worsens in certain cases. Our Reno workers’ compensation lawyers will explain when and how to open your case if you are eligible to reopen a claim.

What types of workers are covered by workers’ compensation in Reno?

Generally, only employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Independent contractors may also qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Don’t make assumptions. Many workers are labeled as contractors by their employers when they’re really employees. We’ll assert your right to employee status if the employer is controlling how you do your job, even if they pay you with a 1099.

What is an occupational illness?

Employees who suffer a disease or illness through work may be entitled to Nevada workers’ compensation benefits. Our Reno work injury lawyers will explain the eligibility requirements. Some illnesses may be automatically eligible. We’ll help you and your doctor address the relevant medical issues.

Generally, to file an occupational illness claim in Nevada, employees must show that:

  • They contracted the disease through employment.
  • The disease is unique to the type of job they do.
  • The disease is not common in the general public.

Certain respiratory, skin, and other diseases may qualify for occupational illness benefits.

How does an experienced Reno workers’ compensation help?

Filing for workers’ compensation benefits is complicated. There are specific forms you need to file. There are strict timelines for notifying your employer about the accident. Generally, you must notify your employer, in writing, within seven days after your incident, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible. You then have 90 days to file your workers’ compensation claim. There are other timelines that apply and it’s best not to guess what applies to you. Notify your employer and look for an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can so you don’t risk missing any deadlines.

It is extremely common for the insurance companies to deny the injured workers’ claim. Employers will assert various defenses such as saying you weren’t an employee, the accident did not happen at work, or you had pre-existing injuries. The employers will try to force you back to work before you’re ready. The employers may assign a nurse case manager to your case.

Our lawyers assert your claim to benefits. We demand all the compensation Nevada law permits. We contest every effort by the employer’s insurance company to deny or limit your claim and conduct court hearings on your behalf. We assist you in obtaining a monetary award for permanent partial disability once your medical condition has stabilized.

Our lawyers will respond to all your questions, including:

  • When and how do I report my injury?
  • Can I switch doctors?
  • How does workers’ compensation affect other benefits?
  • Can you work with my doctors to postpone demands for payment until the case resolves?
  • Does the IRS treat my payments as income?
  • What is a pre-existing injury?

Do you have workers’ compensation lawyers near me in Reno?

Our Reno office is located at 100 N Sierra St, Suite 220. We can make alternative arrangements such as video or phone conversations when necessary and will make home or hospital visits if you are too infirm to travel.

Speak with an experienced Reno workers’ compensation attorney today

The insurance company for the employer is not your friend. Insurance companies may be incentivized to force workers back to work before they’re ready. Some doctors may try to push workers back to work too soon or state that your injuries are pre-existing and not related to your work accident. Many injuries take a lot of care with many different healthcare providers. We help you get the medical care you need while also getting the disability benefits you deserve. At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, we settle many Reno workers’ compensation cases but we’re ready to try your case before the worker’s compensation officials when necessary. If you are hurt on the job, please call 702-957-1675 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Reno Office

100 N Sierra St, Suite 220
Reno, NV 89501

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