How Long Can You Be on Workers’ Comp in Nevada?

January 23, 2025 Workers' Comp

Workers’ compensation serves as a lifeline for people injured on the job in Nevada. This no-fault system provides crucial support when you are hurt at work and unable to earn your normal wages. However, these benefits do not always last forever. Here is what you need to know about workers’ compensation benefit durations and limitations.

What Benefits Can You Get in a Nevada Workers’ Comp Claim?

In Nevada, any employer with at least one employee is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage helps employees receive necessary medical treatment and wage replacement while they are unable to work. To recover benefits, you must prove that you suffered an injury or developed an illness while you were working or as a result of your job.

Here are the key benefits available:

• Medical Benefits: You receive complete coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Workers’ comp can pay for job retraining and placement services if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous position.
• Temporary Disability: When you are temporarily unable to work your normal job, workers’ comp provides temporary benefits that are a portion of your average wage.
• Permanent Disability: You can obtain ongoing compensation if your injury results in lasting impairment. The value of these benefits is based on your disability rating and previous wages.

Time Limits for Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary disability benefits in Nevada fall into two categories: temporary partial disability (TPD) and temporary total disability (TTD). TTD is awarded when you cannot work at all while recovering from your injuries. You receive two-thirds of your monthly wage, up to a certain amount, until you return to work, accept modified duties, or reach maximum medical improvement.

Temporary partial disability applies when you can work but earn less due to your injury. You receive the difference between your reduced earnings and your potential TTD rate. For example, if your normal monthly wage is $3,000 and you now earn $1,500, you receive $500 monthly in partial benefits. Nevada caps TPD payments at 24 months.

Rules for Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefits are also divided into partial and total categories. You can receive permanent partial disability (PPD) when your injury results in permanent limitations, but you can still perform some type of work. A doctor will assign an impairment rating after your treatment ends, which determines the total of your award. These payments continue for five years or until age 70, whichever extends longer. 

Permanent total disability (PTD) provides ongoing benefits at your TTD rate when you cannot return to work. Certain severe injuries, such as losing sight in both eyes or losing two limbs, automatically qualify as permanent total disabilities. PTD benefits continue indefinitely as long as you remain permanently disabled.

Recover the Benefits That You Deserve After a Workplace Injury

An experienced Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process and fight for the full benefits that you are entitled to receive. Contact a Nevada workers’ comp attorney today to discuss your case and begin your legal journey.