Workers’ compensation offers protection for employees who are injured or sick due to workplace conditions. It provides financial & medical benefits to them while they recover. In cities like Las Vegas, where businesses range from hospitality to construction, workplace injuries happen in many industries. Employees must know what injuries are covered by workers’ compensation.
If you work in Las Vegas and sustain a work-related injury, you can make a Las Vegas workers’ compensation claim to deal with your medical bills & lost earnings. But what kinds of injuries qualify for this coverage? The injuries covered are discussed below:
1. Physical Injuries from Accidents
Accidental injuries are a common issue in workplaces. They often result from slips, falls, or machinery failures. For instance:
- A construction worker may trip on scaffolding and break their back.
- A hotel employee might slip on the wet floor in a busy Las Vegas casino.
These injuries are generally covered under workplace compensation claims, provided they occurred during work hours and were job-related.
2. Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries are injuries that occur with repeated motions or tasks. In Las Vegas, office jobs, retail, or assembly line workers can develop RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis from typing or repetitive hand movements. Such injuries tend to be covered by workers’ compensation, but medical evidence may be necessary to prove they are work-related.
3. Occupational Illnesses
Some jobs expose workers to toxic substances or working environments that cause illness. For example:
- A Las Vegas janitor might have respiratory problems from long exposure to cleaning chemicals.
- Asbestos exposure may cause problems for a construction worker.
Occupational illnesses are compensated, provided they have a clear connection to the workplace.
4. Workplace Violence Injuries
Workplace violence is a growing concern. Incidents, including physical attacks or altercations in a Las Vegas bar, shop, or home office, can result in severe injuries. These injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation if the violence is work-related, such as in an employee-customer dispute.
5. Mental Health Issues
Sometimes, psychological issues such as stress or trauma resulting from work are covered by compensation. For example, a security guard in Las Vegas who’s traumatized by a distressing event like a robbery might have PTSD. Mental health claims are harder to prove but are increasingly recognized under workers’ compensation laws.
6. Injuries from Work-Related Travel
Las Vegas is an important hub for business travel & events. Workers injured while traveling for work, such as going to a conference or meeting customers, could also make a workers’ compensation claim. For example, a marketing executive who trips and falls during a corporate event in Las Vegas would probably be covered.
Final Thoughts
From physical accidents to mental health conditions, injuries covered under workers’ compensation claims can be very diverse. Being an employee, you should understand your rights and what is covered. Whether you work in construction, a restaurant, or office work, learning how to file a workers’ compensation case can help you cover your losses to an extent.
Guest writer.
