After a work injury, you may be able to receive compensation for medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits through workers’ compensation. In some cases, additional compensation may be available if another party caused the injury. The exact benefits depend on how the injury happened, how severe it is, and whether you can return to work.
Most benefits usually cover all necessary medical treatment related to your injury and a portion of your lost income if you cannot work. If the injury causes long-term limits, permanent disability payments or job retraining may also apply.
Las Vegas has one of the largest service and construction workforces in the country. According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, hospitality and construction consistently rank among the top industries for workplace injuries in the state. If someone needs help, they should seek help from a work injury attorney in Las Vegas to understand what compensation they can receive after a work injury, how benefits work, and when other claims may be available.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
If you get hurt on the job, workers’ compensation is usually your first source of payment. In Nevada, most employers must carry this insurance under NRS 616A–616D. The law states that employees are entitled to benefits for injuries “arising out of and in the course of employment”
Here’s what that can include:
1. Medical Treatment
You can receive payment for:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
You do not pay deductibles. Your employer’s insurance covers approved treatment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), private employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022. Many of these cases involved medical care beyond basic first aid.
2. Temporary Disability Payments
If you can’t work while you recover, you may receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits.
In Nevada, TTD typically pays two-thirds of your average monthly wage (NRS 616C.475). Payments continue until:
- Your doctor clears you to return, or
- You reach maximum medical improvement.
Example: If you earned $3,000 per month before your injury, you may receive about $2,000 per month while you heal.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Some injuries leave lasting damage. If your doctor assigns a permanent impairment rating, you may qualify for:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
The National Safety Council reports that work injuries cost the U.S. $167 billion in 2022, including wage and productivity losses.
If you cannot return to your old job, vocational rehabilitation may help you train for new work under NRS 616C.530.
Other Possible Compensation
Workers’ comp is not the only path in some cases.
You may also have a third-party claim if someone outside your employer caused the injury. For example:
- A subcontractor on a construction site
- A defective machine manufacturer
- A negligent driver while you were working
These claims can include:
- Full lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future earning loss
Workers’ comp does not pay for pain and suffering. A third-party case might.
The key is understanding what applies to your situation. Every injury, and every job, is different.
Final Key Takeaways
- Workers’ compensation covers most job-related injuries under Nevada law.
- You can receive full medical care with no deductibles for approved treatment.
- Temporary disability benefits usually pay about two-thirds of your wages while you recover.
- Permanent disability benefits may apply if your injury causes lasting limits.
- Vocational rehab can help if you cannot return to your old job.
- Pain and suffering are not covered by workers’ comp.
- Third-party claims may allow additional compensation in certain cases.