Not All Injuries Happen in an Instant.
When people think of workers’ compensation, they usually picture a sudden accident—a slip and fall, or a dropped box. But thousands of Nevada workers suffer from Occupational Diseases, which are injuries or illnesses that develop gradually over time due to the nature of the job.
Under Nevada law (NRS 617), you are entitled to workers’ compensation for diseases contracted through your employment. However, these are some of the most difficult claims to win because insurance companies will always argue that your condition was caused by aging, hobbies, or natural wear-and-tear, rather than your job.
Common Occupational Diseases:
- Repetitive Trauma: Carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative disc disease, and severe joint arthritis from years of repetitive lifting or typing.
- Respiratory Illnesses: Silicosis, asbestosis, or asthma from exposure to toxic dust, mold, or chemicals.
- First Responder Presumptions: Heart disease, lung disease, and certain cancers for firefighters and police officers (covered under Nevada’s Heart and Lung Bill).
The Burden of Proof is High. You Need a Champion.
Filing a claim for an occupational disease requires specific medical evidence to prove the “causal connection” between your workplace environment and your diagnosis. Furthermore, the deadlines can be tricky (you must file notice within 7 days of having knowledge of the disability and its relationship to your work).
We know how to gather the strong clinical documentation required to prove your case. If your body is breaking down because of the work you’ve done for years, let us help you get the medical care and lifetime benefits you deserve.