What to Know About Filing Workers’ Comp When You Have More Than One Job
Many people take on more than one job to increase their income or to gain access to better benefits. You might work full-time during the day and part-time in the evenings or on weekends, or you may balance two part-time positions. In any case, holding more than one job is known as concurrent employment.
Concurrent employment can significantly affect your workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer an injury. The extent of that impact depends on the nature of the injury and how it limits your ability to perform your jobs. Before filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to understand how concurrent employment may influence your benefits.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Las Vegas
Workers’ compensation is an employer-provided insurance that offers benefits to employees who are injured while performing their job duties. This coverage is no-fault, meaning you do not need to prove blame, but it also prevents employees from suing their employer for the injury. Benefits under workers’ compensation may include:
- Payment for medical treatment
- Reimbursement for lost wages
- Benefits for permanent or long-term disability
- Assistance with job retraining or vocational programs
- Death benefits for eligible family members
To qualify, the injury must occur at work or the illness must result from workplace exposure. Injuries that happen at home or outside the scope of employment are not covered. Legal guidance can also be helpful to demonstrate that your injury or illness is job-related.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Workers’ Compensation in Nevada?
Employees who work full-time, part-time, or on a temporary basis, as well as undocumented workers, are eligible to apply for workers’ compensation. State law requires employers to maintain this coverage, and companies that fail to do so risk fines or even being shut down.
However, not every worker is covered. Independent contractors are generally not included unless they carry their own insurance. In some cases, employers may misclassify contractors as employees. If this happens, you could still qualify for benefits. If you believe you were incorrectly classified as a contractor, you may have grounds to pursue compensation.
How to File for Workers’ Compensation with Multiple Jobs
If you hold two or more jobs, it is important to notify the workers’ compensation insurance company about each position and the wages you earn from them. This matters because if your injury prevents you from performing all of your jobs, your benefits will be based on the calculation of your average monthly earnings from all sources of employment.
When filing for workers’ compensation with multiple jobs, be sure to take these steps:
- Take photographs, videos, or other evidence that document the injury.
- Gather the contact details of any witnesses.
- Report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment immediately for your condition.
- Inform your other employers about the injury.
- Submit Form C-4.
- Create a detailed list of all employers and income sources.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits When an Injury Prevents You From Working at Any Job
If you suffer a workplace injury that prevents you from performing any of your jobs, you could lose your entire income. In such cases, a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas can assist you with filing a workers’ compensation claim to recover lost wages. As long as the workers’ compensation insurance company is informed about your additional employment, your benefits should include income lost from all affected jobs. The compensation is based on your average weekly wage across all positions, and benefits are typically set at 66.7% of your combined earnings.
Receiving Las Vegas Workers’ Compensation While Maintaining Other Jobs
Some injuries may prevent you from performing one job but still allow you to work at another. For example, if you have a physically demanding construction job during the day and a bookkeeping job in the evenings, you might be able to continue your evening work while on medical leave from your day job. It is essential to do this only with your doctor’s approval.
With your doctor’s permission, you can continue working any job you are able to perform while filing a workers’ compensation claim for the job where the injury occurred. When submitting your claim, you must disclose all sources of income. The insurance company will consider both your ongoing earnings and the income you have lost when calculating your benefits.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Improve Your Claim Outcome
Making the workers’ compensation process clear and manageable. In some cases, employers or insurance companies may try to minimize the benefits you receive. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights, ensure all necessary paperwork is filed, deadlines are met, and the proper evidence is presented to support your claim.
While you can submit a workers’ compensation claim on your own, hiring a lawyer can improve your chances of a successful outcome and help address any complex issues. Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to understand your options and proceed with confidence.
Making Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Smooth and Simple
If you are injured at work, the steps you take immediately afterward are crucial for a smooth workers’ compensation claim. Obtain prompt medical attention and report the incident to your employer. Consulting an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process, ensure paperwork is properly completed, and assist in pursuing the full benefits you may be entitled to.
