Nevada generally gives you seven days to report a workplace injury to your employer. This is a strict deadline, and missing it can hurt your ability to receive medical treatment coverage, wage replacement, and other benefits under workers’ compensation. To protect your rights and flexibility, report an injury even if you believe it is minor, will heal quickly, or will not need ongoing treatment.
A Nevada workers’ compensation attorney can help with many confusing processes. For next steps in the Las Vegas area, call George Bochanis Injury Law Offices at (702) 388-2005.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Workplace Injury in Nevada?
Workers should submit a Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease (Form C-1) to their employers within seven days. This early reporting helps establish a clear written record and reduces disputes later.
- The seven-day clock starts from the date of the accident or from the date you first became aware of an occupational illness.
- Written notice is mandatory. Telling a supervisor verbally is not enough under Nevada workplace injury reporting rules.
- If you do not report the injury in time, your claim may be denied, even if your injury is legitimate and work-related.
Limited exceptions to timely reporting may apply, such as if you were physically or mentally unable to report the injury due to hospitalization. These exceptions are uncommon, so report a workplace injury as quickly as possible.
Occupational Diseases and When to Report a Workplace Injury
Occupational diseases include repetitive stress injuries and long-term chemical exposure. In those cases, the seven-day reporting period begins as soon as you reasonably know the condition may be work-related. Employees might slip on a slick floor, become hurt by equipment, or develop tendonitis from years of repetitive work, but reporting as soon as possible protects your rights and cuts down on the chances that the employer and insurer can succeed in saying your injury happened elsewhere.
What Deadlines Affect Workers’ Compensation Claims in Nevada?
The seven-day deadline is just one of several workers’ comp deadlines in Nevada.
The 7-Day C-1 Notice to Employer
This is the mandatory seven-day written notice that starts the clock on your claim.
The 90-Day Doctor’s Report Deadline (Form C-4)
After you seek medical treatment, your doctor must fill out a C-4 form, the Employee’s Claim for Compensation. It officially starts your claim with the insurance company. An authorized medical provider must complete and file it within 90 days of the injury or onset of occupational illness.
The insurer can deny your claim if this form gets filed late. Get medical attention as early as possible, even if your symptoms seem mild.
You must also see an approved provider when available. If your employer participates in a managed care network, you may have to choose from a list of approved doctors. You do have the right to request a change of physician later.
Insurer’s 30-Day Deadline to Accept or Deny the Claim
After the workers’ compensation insurer gets the C-4 form, they have 30 days to approve or deny the claim, or request more information.
If denial occurs, you have options such as filing an appeal. This is often where a workers’ comp attorney becomes important, especially if your employer disputes your version of events or claims your injury occurred outside work.
70-Day Appeal Deadline
If the insurance company denies your claim, you have 70 days to file a formal appeal with the Nevada Department of Administration.
Ongoing Treatment Deadlines
You should attend all medical appointments, participate in rehabilitation, and follow provider instructions. Otherwise, you give the insurer grounds to say you are not eligible for workers’ compensation.
Deadlines Affecting Light Duty and Returning to Work
If your doctor releases you to modified duty, your employer must offer light duty if available. If that type of work does not exist, you may continue receiving temporary disability benefits.
Workers sometimes worry that accepting light duty or returning to work too soon will harm their claim. A workers’ comp attorney can help you deal with restrictions and ensure your employer is following the law.
In fact, all of these deadlines can be confusing. Many injured workers consult a Nevada workers’ compensation attorney early in the process. This person can help you meet all reporting requirements and verify that your employer and insurer comply with what your employer is required to do under Nevada law.
What Documentation Is Required When Reporting a Workplace Injury in Nevada?
Important documents include the C-1 Form.
The C-1 Form (Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease)
This first written record of the injury includes the date, time, and location of the incident, a description of what happened, the names of any witnesses, and details about the type of injury or symptoms. Keep a copy for your own records in case disputes arise about whether you properly submitted the form.
Photographs and Video Evidence
Photos of the hazard, the defective equipment, or visible injuries can help prove how the accident occurred.
Witness Statements
If coworkers or others saw the accident, their written statements can support your version of events. Witnesses can be especially important when the accident occurred without surveillance footage, your employer claims the injury happened outside work, or your symptoms developed over time.
The C-4 Form (Employee’s Claim for Compensation)
Your medical provider completes this form. It includes information on your diagnosis,
treatment recommendations, and work restrictions. It also confirms that your injury is work-related.
Medical Records
Keep copies of your X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging, doctors’ notes, test results, treatment plans, and prescription records. If the insurer disputes your injury, medical documentation can help verify the cause and severity of your condition.
Incident Reports or Emails to Supervisors
In many workplaces, supervisors complete an internal incident report. This is separate from the C-1 but can support your claim. It may serve as evidence that you followed proper procedures.
If your workplace does not have formal incident report forms, send an email summarizing what happened. This creates an independent timestamped record in case your employer misplaces or fails to record your C-1.
Employer Communications
Save paperwork your employer gives you, including light-duty job descriptions, workers’ compensation insurance instructions, and lists of approved medical providers.
Pay Stubs and Income Records
These are important for calculating wage-replacement benefits, especially if you work overtime or seasonal or fluctuating hours, or if you plan to get a second job. If you hold multiple jobs, Nevada law allows you to include income from each when calculating benefits, but only if you provide documentation.
Legal guidance is invaluable when you need to report a workplace injury. Contact us at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices for help in Las Vegas.
FAQs About Timelines to Report a Workplace Injury
What is the deadline for reporting a workplace injury in Nevada?
You must report within seven days of experiencing the injury or discovering the illness. Use Form C-1 to report.
What happens if I miss the reporting deadline for a workplace injury?
The insurer may deny your claim, but you might be able to appeal or pursue other options. A Nevada workers’ compensation attorney can offer guidance.
How do I properly document and report a work-related injury in Nevada?
Submit the C-1 form within seven days, get medical treatment, and ensure your doctor files the C-4 form. Keep copies of all medical records, witness statements, and employer communications.
