Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Nevada involves several important steps. While these are the core actions most injured workers must take, please note: Depending on the nature and severity of your injury or illness, additional forms, documentation, or steps may be required.

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You can find a complete list of workers’ compensation forms and worksheets on the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations website.

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1. Protect Your Health and Document Everything

Immediate medical attention is not optional. Even if your injury seems minor, some conditions worsen over time or have delayed symptoms.

Here's what to do:

• Emergency injuries: Go to the nearest emergency room immediately

• Non-emergency injuries: See a doctor from your employer's approved provider list

• No approved list provided: Document your requests and seek immediate care elsewhere

• Take photos of your injury, the accident scene, and any safety hazards

• Get witness contact information if anyone saw the incident occur
   

Tip: Insurance companies often claim injuries are pre-existing. Early medical documentation creates a clear timeline showing your injury is work-related.

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2. Report to Your Employer Properly

How you report your injury effects your entire claim. Don't rely on informal conversations or assumptions that "everyone knows" about your accident.
 

Required Actions:

• Verbal report: Tell your supervisor immediately, even if they witnessed the accident

• Written notice: Submit Form C-1 (Notice of Injury) within 7 days

• Get receipt confirmation: Ensure your employer signs and dates your written notice

• Keep copies: Document all communications about your injury
   

What to Include in Your Report:

• Exact date, time, and location of the injury

• Detailed description of how the accident occurred

• Specific body parts injured

• Names of any witnesses

• Whether you sought medical treatment

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3. Navigate the Medical Provider System

Nevada gives injured workers limited choices for medical care. Understanding the system protects your right to proper treatment while strengthening your claim.
 

Your Rights Under Nevada Law:

• Employer-approved providers: Your employer must provide a list of approved doctors within a reasonable time

• Emergency exceptions: You can seek immediate emergency care anywhere

• Second opinions: You can request a different approved provider if unsatisfied with treatment

• Specialist referrals: Your treating doctor can refer you to specialists as needed
   

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Employer delays providing approved provider list

• Pressure to return to work before medical clearance

• Denial of necessary medical treatments or tests

• Insurance company requests for unnecessary medical exams

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4. Master Form C-1 (Notice of Injury)

Form C-1 officially starts your claim clock. This seemingly simple form creates the foundation for your entire case.

Critical C-1 Requirements:

• Complete every section even if information seems obvious

• Use specific medical terminology rather than general descriptions

• Include precise accident details with exact times and locations

• List all injured body parts even if some seem minor

• Submit within 7 days of your injury date

Common C-1 Mistakes That Cause Denials:

• Vague injury descriptions ("hurt my back" vs. "lumbar strain with radiating pain")

• Missing witness information

• Incorrect dates or times

• Incomplete employer information

• Unsigned or undated forms​

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5. Perfect Form C-4 (Claim for Compensation)

Form C-4 is where most claims succeed or fail. This comprehensive medical form requires perfect completion by your treating physician and submission within 90 days.
 

What Makes C-4 So Critical:

• Medical diagnosis must be precise and complete

• Work-relatedness must be clearly established

• Treatment plans must be detailed and justified

• Disability ratings affect your compensation amounts

• Return-to-work timelines impact benefit duration
   

Why You Need Legal Help with C-4:

• Insurance companies scrutinize every word for denial opportunities

• Medical terminology must meet specific legal standards

• Missing information cannot be easily corrected after submission

• Physician errors can derail otherwise valid claims

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If you're unsure which forms apply to your situation, or how to complete them correctly, Becker & Vail LLC is here to help. We offer step-by-step legal guidance, so your claim is strong, complete, and submitted on time.