What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance program in the state of Nevada that is paid for by the employer. It provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job and protection for employers who have provided coverage at the time of the injury.
Workers’ Compensation coverage is is requirement, by the state of Nevada, for employers who employ one or more employees. In addition to the coverage requirement, Nevada also requires that employers furnish a safe workplace with no hazards that may cause death or serious injury to employees. However, no matter how safe the workplace, injury is always possible. As such, benefits provided by workers’ compensation coverage may include: Medical Treatment, Lost Time Compensation, Permanent Partial and/or Total Disability, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Death Benefits.
Choice of Doctor: An injured employee must always submit to a physical examination if properly directed to do so by an employer. A refusal of the examination, at the hands of a physician or chiropractor, will almost assuredly result in absolutely no compensation for the injured employee as a result of the accident.
Once the injured employee decides to see a physician, there is the decision of which physician to see. It is not uncommon for injured employees to make the mistake of seeking their own physician before checking their employer’s coverage. However, it cannot be stressed enough that it is a Nevada state requirement that an injured employee seek assistance from an authorized medical provider who is a member of the Panel of Treating Physicians and Chiropractors. Insurers may use a managed care organization, preferred provider organization, healthcare maintenance organization or the insurance company’s managed care unit. A list of authorized physicians and chiropractors can be found by asking your employer or online at http://dirweb.state.nv.us/wcs/treatingpanel.pdf.
Injured employees are not restricted to the first physician or chiropractor they select. In fact, Nevada Revised Statute 616C.090(3) states, “If the injured employee is not satisfied with the first physician or chiropractor he or she so chooses, the injured employee may make an alternative choice of physician or chiropractor pursuant to the terms of the contract without the approval of the insurer if the choice is made within 90 days after his or her injury.” Further, if a physician change request is made after the 90-day mark, the change is possible by way of approval from the insurer.
During the initial appointment, the properly approved physician or chiropractor will inform the injured employee of their rights and lend all necessary assistance in making application for compensation and such proof of other matters required by by the state at no cost to the injured employee.
If you feel your workers’ compensation claim is not being handled properly by your employer, doctor, or insurer, do not hesitate to seek the help of qualified and experienced legal counsel. 702 Defense has years of experience in the area of workers’ compensation and can be reached at 702-333-3673.