Work Place Injuries and Occupational Illnesses

When you're hurt on the job in Nevada, understanding what types of injuries and illnesses qualify for workers' compensation can feel overwhelming.

At Becker & Vail LLC, we represent injured workers throughout Las Vegas and Nevada who are suffering from workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Nevada law provides coverage for a broad range of work-related conditions, and we're here to help you navigate your claim.

Covered Work Place Injuries

Nevada's workers' compensation system covers acute injuries that occur suddenly during work activities. According to the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, workers' compensation provides benefits for injuries arising out of and in the course of employment, regardless of who was at fault.

Cuts, Burns, and Fractures

These are among the most common workplace injuries Nevada workers face. Construction workers may suffer severe lacerations from power tools, kitchen staff can experience burn injuries from hot surfaces or steam, and warehouse employees often sustain fractures from falls or falling objects. Even seemingly minor cuts can become serious if they result in nerve damage or require extensive medical treatment.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Back injuries represent one of the leading causes of workers' compensation claims across all industries. Lifting heavy objects, awkward postures, or sudden impacts can cause herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or even catastrophic spinal cord damage. Healthcare workers, construction laborers, and delivery drivers face particularly high risks for these debilitating conditions.

Joint and Muscle Damage

Shoulder tears, knee injuries, and muscle strains frequently occur in physically demanding jobs. Casino workers who stand for extended periods, mechanics working in awkward positions, and retail employees lifting merchandise all face risks of joint and soft tissue damage that may require surgery and prolonged recovery periods.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussions and more severe brain injuries can result from falls, vehicle accidents, or being struck by objects at work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury, which frequently occur in workplace settings. These injuries can have life-altering consequences, affecting cognitive function, memory, and earning capacity.

Repetitive Stress Conditions

Not all workplace injuries happen in a single moment. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other repetitive motion injuries develop over time from performing the same tasks repeatedly. Office workers, assembly line employees, and cashiers commonly develop these conditions, which Nevada law recognizes as compensable work injuries.

Recognized Occupational Diseases

Nevada workers' compensation law also covers occupational diseases, illnesses that develop as a direct result of workplace exposures. Nevada Revised Statutes 617.440 defines an occupational disease as one arising out of and in the course of employment, where there is a direct causal connection between the work conditions and the disease.

Mesothelioma and Lung Disease

Workers exposed to asbestos, silica dust, or other airborne toxins may develop serious respiratory conditions years after exposure. Construction workers, miners, and industrial workers face elevated risks. Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often doesn't manifest until decades after the initial contact with the hazardous material.

Skin Disorders (Contact Dermatitis)

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, occupational skin diseases account for a significant portion of workplace illness claims, with contact dermatitis being the most common. Chemical exposures, irritants, and allergens in the workplace can cause severe skin reactions. Healthcare workers, cosmetologists, and manufacturing employees frequently develop these conditions from repeated exposure to substances like latex, cleaning chemicals, or industrial compounds.

Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to loud noise in industries like construction, manufacturing, and entertainment can cause permanent hearing damage. Nevada law recognizes noise-induced hearing loss as an occupational disease when it results from workplace noise levels that exceed safe standards established by occupational safety regulations.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and other chronic pain conditions can develop following workplace injuries. These conditions may persist long after the initial injury heals and can significantly impact a worker's ability to return to their job. Medical documentation and expert testimony often play crucial roles in establishing these claims.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Beyond acute injuries, workers can develop chronic musculoskeletal conditions from sustained workplace activities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies musculoskeletal disorders as among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time. Disorders affecting the neck, shoulders, and lower back frequently develop in workers who perform heavy lifting, maintain awkward postures, or experience whole-body vibration from operating machinery.

Understanding Your Rights Under Nevada Law.

The Nevada workers' compensation system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who caused your injury. However, insurance companies sometimes dispute claims or offer inadequate settlements, particularly for occupational diseases where the connection between work and illness may be less obvious.

The experienced attorneys at Becker & Vail LLC can help you gather the necessary medical evidence and navigate the claims process to secure the benefits you deserve.

Whether you're dealing with a sudden traumatic injury or a disease that developed over time, Nevada workers' compensation law provides protections for injured workers. Understanding what conditions qualify for coverage is the first step toward obtaining the medical care and financial support you need to recover.

Email: information@beckervail.com
Office Phone: 702-209-0357

Legal support available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi.

Important Steps to Remember:

If you've suffered a workplace injury or developed an occupational illness in Nevada, protecting your rights requires taking specific steps.

Seek immediate medical attention.

Your health comes first, and prompt medical care creates an official record of your injury. Delaying treatment can give insurance companies reason to question the severity or work-related nature of your condition.

Report your injury to your employer promptly.

Nevada law requires you to notify your employer of a workplace injury. While you have specific timeframes under state law, reporting as soon as possible strengthens your claim and prevents disputes about when the injury occurred.

Maintain detailed records of all medical treatments and work restrictions.

Keep copies of doctor's notes, prescriptions, test results, and any instructions limiting your work activities. This documentation becomes crucial evidence if your claim is disputed.

Understand that the system is no-fault.

You don't need to prove your employer was negligent or that you were blameless. Workers' compensation covers injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment, regardless of fault.

Be aware that insurance companies may dispute your claim.

Insurers sometimes deny claims or offer settlements that don't fully cover your losses, especially for occupational diseases where causation is less obvious. Having experienced legal representation helps ensure you receive fair treatment.

Document the connection between your work and your condition.

For occupational diseases particularly, establishing the causal link between workplace exposures and your illness requires thorough medical evidence and sometimes expert testimony.

ASSISTANCE

Becker & Vail LLC offers assistance in English, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi languages.

English

For assistance in English, please contact 702-209-0357 or send an email to information@beckervail.com.

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Si necesita asistencia en español, llame al 702-209-0357 o envíe un correo electrónico a information@beckervail.com.

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