Nebraska Workers Comp Claims: What You Need to Know 

There you were, just minding your own business at work when a ceiling tile fell on your head. You sustained a head injury, and you aren’t sure what to do about it. Being injured at work is not a fun experience, but you do have options when this happens. Most people have at least heard of workers compensation, even if they aren’t sure how it works.

Workers compensation provides injured workers with financial compensation to pay for injury-related losses. For instance, you may have medical expenses that were caused by your on-the-job injury. These expenses could be paid for by workers compensation insurance.

Read on to learn more about the workers compensation laws in the state of Nebraska.

Nebraska Work Comp Laws

Who Should Have Workers Compensation Insurance?

Almost all employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance in Nebraska. If you have even one employee working for your company, you are supposed to have work comp insurance in case that person should be injured while working for you. 

There are a few exceptions to this. These are the people who are not covered under Nebraska’s work comp laws.

• Household workers 
• Federal employees
• Railroad employees
• Independent contractors
• Most volunteers
• Some officers of for-profit and nonprofit organizations

Where Do You Go to Obtain Workers Comp Insurance?

Nebraska workers compensation plans are offered through private insurance companies. You could talk to an insurance company in your area to see if they offer workers compensation insurance.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured on the Job

When you’ve been injured at work, workers compensation laws allow you to file a work comp claim. Your claim will need to be filed with the Nebraska Workers Compensation Court (WCC).

You should notify your employer of your injury right away. They have ten days to notify the WCC of your injury. They also need to tell their insurance company about your injury. The insurance company will begin investigating your injury accident. If they believe you have a valid claim, they could begin making payments to you.

If they don’t believe you have a valid claim, they could deny your claim. You do have the right to fight back against a claim denial.

Workers Compensation Benefits

If your claim is approved, you can expect to receive financial compensation for all of your “reasonable” medical expenses. This includes hospital bills, outpatient doctor visits, medications, and more. 

You could also receive compensation for lost income. 

If you are unable to return to your job because of your injury, you can receive compensation for vocational rehabilitation. 

In addition, if a worker dies because of a workplace injury, the family members left behind could receive death benefits.

Talk to a Nebraska Work Comp Lawyer

There are many rules, time limits, and other issues to deal with when filing a workers compensation claim in Nebraska. It’s a good idea to partner with a work comp lawyer who can help you get the money you need.

Call Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. to talk to a Nebraska work comp lawyer now. Dial 402-462-5187, or you can reach us through the online form below.