If you have been injured or become ill due to work conditions in Nevada, you need to understand your rights. Not doing so could cost you thousands in medical bills and lost wages. Nevada’s workers compensation law requires employers to provide benefits like medical care, temporary disability payments, and permanent disability payments to employees who suffer from occupational diseases or work-related injuries.
Read on to understand how the workers comp process works if you suffer from occupational diseases and how a Las Vegas workers comp attorney can assist you.
Common Occupational Diseases in Las Vegas
Working in Vegas seems glamorous, but many jobs come with health hazards. Casino employees, for example, frequently develop respiratory issues from secondhand smoke. Housekeepers and janitors often suffer musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive movements and heavy lifting.
Respiratory Diseases
Dealing with cigarette smoke for hours on end, casino workers face risks like asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. Secondhand smoke contains toxic chemicals that damage the lungs, and the damage accumulates over time. If you develop a chronic cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing, immediately see a doctor.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Jobs requiring repetitive motions, awkward positions, and heavy lifting lead to high rates of musculoskeletal disorders in Vegas. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and lower back strain are common among housekeepers, janitors, and construction workers.
Qualifying for Workers Compensation Benefits for Occupational Disease
To qualify for workers compensation due to an occupational disease in Nevada, you must prove your illness arose from your job conditions. Some common occupational diseases include respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, and hearing loss.
Your employer will report your claim to their insurance carrier, which will review your medical records and work history to determine if your condition qualifies for benefits under Nevada law. They consider factors like:
- The nature of your job and any hazardous exposures. For example, did you work around toxic chemicals, loud noises, or infectious agents that could have caused your condition?
- How long have you been exposed to those hazards? Occupational diseases are typically caused by long-term exposure over months or years.
- For instance, whether your condition is common in that occupation or industry, back injuries are common for construction workers, while asbestosis frequently impacts shipyard workers.
- Medical evidence shows the link between your duties and disease. Your doctors must confirm that your occupational exposures caused or aggravated your condition.
Types of Benefits Available for Occupational Disease
If you have been diagnosed with an illness caused or worsened by your job, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. The types of benefits available depend on the specifics of your case and the laws in your state.
Temporary Disability Benefits
If your condition prevents you from working for a period of time, you may receive temporary disability payments to replace a portion of your lost wages. The amount and duration of benefits depend on the severity of your disability.
Permanent Disability Benefits
For some diseases that cause permanent impairment, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. The amount depends on the disease type, age, occupation, and severity of a disability. These payments are meant to compensate you for the lasting effects on your earning capacity.
Rehabilitation Services
Workers compensation may provide rehabilitation services to help you return to work. This could include job retraining or counseling. The goal is to return you to suitable employment, even if you can’t return to your previous job.
Reach Out to an Experienced Workers Compensation Lawyer in Las Vegas
Have you suffered an injury at work or are suffering from occupational diseases in Las Vegas? You shouldn’t navigate the workers compensation system alone. Call an experienced Las Vegas workers comp attorney today at (702) 789-6668. We can help you through the entire process to get your deserved benefits.