Overexertion Injuries

Being hurt at work can happen for multiple reasons, including improper training, a lack of safety equipment, or simple mistakes. If you are hurt at work, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation for your losses in many cases. That includes overexertion injuries.

Speak with a Las Vegas workers’ compensation lawyer today.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Overexertion Injuries

In Nevada, all employers that have at least one employee must provide access to the state’s workers’ compensation program. This program aims to provide compensation for medical bills and, in some situations, for time missed from work to those with work-related injuries. This applies to all W2 employees, no matter if they are full-time or part-time.

If you suffer an injury at work, such as overexerting yourself, your first step is to contact your supervisor and inform them of your need for medical care. This starts the ball rolling and creates the necessary start for a paper trail if needed. The employer will provide you with access to the appropriate healthcare professional from the state’s list of approved providers (all providers must be listed in the Panel of Treating Physicians and Chiropractors).

Types of Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion injuries tend to focus on the musculoskeletal injuries sustained during the normal course of work. Examples include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Muscle tears
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Joint injuries
• Heat exhaustion
• Spinal disc herniation
• Tendinopathy

If you have these or other injuries, seek medical care from an approved provider and follow through with the recommended treatment.

Symptoms of Overexertion Injuries

Knowing you have an injury is easy when there is an open wound or a broken bone. Overexertion injuries are often less obvious but still very impactful and often painful. In some situations, you may suffer mild pain that worsens. You may have pain only while performing a specific task. Other types of overexertion can cause instant pain and limited mobility. These tend to be emergency situations.

Receiving Missed Pay for Work Injuries

Workers’ compensation pays you two-thirds of your average weekly wage when you are hurt at work. This includes what your average wage has been over the last several weeks, including bonuses and tips that you may have been receiving. Overtime may be included if it is received consistently over that period.

What Makes Getting Workers’ Compensation for Overexertion Injuries Challenging

There are several reasons workers’ compensation claims for these injuries can be challenging. That includes:

• Difficulty proving the injury occurred since they may not show up on traditional imaging exams
• Employers may not believe you were hurt at work
• There are limited measurable indications of when the injury occurred, how it happened, or even that it was an actual work-related injury
• The diagnosis often occurs only when there is significant pain, and proving the level of pain can in itself be challenging
• Conditions that develop over time may be considered pre-existing if the employer thinks you had them before you claim the incident occurred

It can be challenging to prove these losses. However, some resources can help you.

Seek the Guidance of a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Nevada for Immediate Help

At DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, our workers’ compensation attorney in Nevada can help you navigate overexertion injuries and your rights to financial support. Contact our legal team for a free consultation to discuss your rights and how we can help you receive fair treatment.