The 2009 legislative session was preoccupied with the economic crisis,  the state budget, and an unprecedented number of bills vetoed by the governor, the majority of which  were promptly reaffirmed by the state assembly and senate. Injured workers seeking reforms didn't stand much of a chance to make significant changes in this climate.   However, Assembly Bill 281 made some minor reforms to NRS 616C.090, the law allowing insurers to establish exclusive providers lists from which injured workers must choose a treating doctor.  Section 3 to A.B. 281 clarifies that...

Children, spouses, or other legal dependents of employees whose industrial injuries result in death or permanent total disability may be eligible for a scholarship with the College of Southern Nevada.  This scholarship was established by the Nevada Self Insurers Association.   For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, contact Jamille Watson (702) 651-5831 at the College of Southern Nevada Foundation, Sort Code WE32, 6375 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146-1164.

Our new website is now up and running.  It features an Information Center with articles on various topics concerning Nevada workers' compensation law, and the claims process. If you don't find an article in the Information Center or on this blog that addresses a topic that would help other injured workers also, feel free to suggest a topic to me.

My office receives at least one phone call a week from an injured worker who is unhappy with how their attorney handled their contested case at a hearing.  Unfortunately, it is usually too late for me to help those callers.  A recent decision from the Nevada Supreme Court illustrates one reason why it is too late for me to help. Kathy Garcia, an employee of Scolari's Food & Drug in northern Nevada, filed an occupational disease claim, asking for medical care for pain in her arms and shoulder that she thought was aggravated by her work duties.  Her claim was denied.  Garcia's lawyer...

1. The claim acceptance or denial letterIf your claim is denied, no medical or compensation benefits will be paid, and the clinic that provided emergency medical care will start billing you. You must file a request for hearing within 70 days of the date of the denial letter on the form included with the denial letter. The only excuse the hearings officer can accept for not filing on time is that you can prove that you did not receive the letter and form. You must make sure that you gave your correct address on the C-4 claim form, and that you called the third-party administrator if you...