Erik, Author at Ahlander Injury Law

Is PTSD Covered by Workers Compensation in Las Vegas, NV?

January 8, 2019 by Erik

If you’ve been involved in an accident or traumatic experience at work and are suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), you may qualify for benefits through your workers’ compensation program. The Nevada Department of Business and Industry strives to provide impartial assistance to both employers and employees. The Department regulates a timely and accurate distribution of workers’ compensation benefits. Make sure you are familiar with your coverage and follow all compliance regulations and guidelines in order to take advantage of workers’ compensation PTSD benefits.

PTSD and Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Most injuries and illnesses that occur in the workplace are covered by workers’ compensation in the state of Nevada. Employees who file a workers’ compensation PTSD claim may qualify for the following benefits.

Medical Treatment
Lost Time Compensation (TTD/TPD)
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Vocational Rehabilitation
Dependent benefits in the event of death
Other claims-related expenses

Exemptions

Before filing a claim, it is important to be aware that there are factors relating to the incident which may disqualify you from receiving PTSD workers’ compensation.

If the employee was not performing their usual business, occupation, or trade.
If the employee was knowingly negligent when the injury occurred.
If the employee was attempting to hurt themselves or another person.
If the employee was traveling to or from work.
If the employee was intoxicated at the time of the injury.

Workers’ Compensation PTSD Settlement

Notify your employer of any problems as soon as possible and find out what forms need to be filled out and any other steps that need to be taken. Visit your doctor and gather any information needed about your medical history and current situation. Make sure you take note of due dates and get everything turned in on time! Usually, you will have seven days to notify your employer and 90 days to file a claim for compensation.

If your claim is denied or disputed, there are a couple of things you can try before taking legal action. Start by contacting the insurance claims adjuster and see if you can resolve any issues with them. If that doesn’t work, you can request a hearing within 70 days. If you still do not feel the issue has been resolved after the hearing, you can appeal the hearing officer’s decision within 30 days.

If you decide to appeal after the hearing, now is the time you will want to speak with an attorney. Attorneys can be extremely helpful when it comes to keeping track of deadlines and evidence and effectively arguing your case.

Reach out to Ahlander Injury Law in Nevada if you need assistance with your PTSD workers’ compensation claim. Our attorney will speak with you personally and give you the attention you deserve. Learn more about why you need an attorney for your workers’ compensation claim and contact us today to set up an appointment!

What to Do if You’re in an Accident with a Semi-Truck

December 4, 2018 by Erik

If you have been involved in an accident involving a semi-truck, you definitely understand just how violent a vehicle accident can be. You need a Las Vegas truck accident attorney to help you on your road to recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially.

Disturbing Trends

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses increased by 6% from 2015 to 2016. In 2016 there were approximately 475,000 police-reported large truck and bus crashes. Of those, 104,000 resulted in personal injury and, sadly, 3,864 were fatal.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute has research that indicates a slightly higher number of fatalities in 2016 at 3,986. The IIHSHLD also indicates that of these fatalities, 66% were occupants in passenger vehicles and 16% were pedestrians, cyclists, or other non-motorized transportation.

Protect Yourself

If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a semi, it is time to consult with a Las Vegas truck accident attorney. While you are probably already aware of the immediate costs of recovery from the accident, your Las Vegas truck accident lawyer can help you calculate current and future costs. You must consider lost wages, future medical bills, pain and suffering, and other needs that will arise.

The size and weight of big rigs make semi-truck accidents devastating. In addition, most large truck and bus accidents occur in rural areas and on Interstate highways, where speeds are increased. This often results in large settlements.

At Ahlander Injury Law, we understand that no dollar amount will take away the pain resulting from a semi-truck accident, but as your Las Vegas truck accident attorneys, we will do everything we can to repair the “potholes” on your road to recovery. If you have been in an accident involving a semi-truck, please contact us today for a consultation.

These Stats Show Why You May Need a Slip and Fall Attorney in Las Vegas, NV

October 8, 2018 by Erik

Unfortunately, slips and falls happen. Sometimes they are through no one’s fault but your own clumsy two feet…but sometimes they are caused by negligence on the part of another person or business. Since the consequences of taking a bad spill can add up (chronic pain, time missing work, medical bills, etc.), it’s important to talk to a slip and fall attorney to find out your options so you’re not left high and dry.

Here are some slip and fall statistics about who falls and where they fall that are good to know and may inspire you to take legal action.

Who Has Slip and Fall Accidents?

Here are some slip and fall statistics regarding who is most likely to experience an accident:

The National Floor Safety Institute says more women than men will experience a slip and fall accident, but fall fatalities are nearly equally divided.

The National Safety Council stated that in 2013, over 47,000 workers were injured badly enough by a fall to require days off of work and 595 workers died because of one. Construction workers are most at risk of death via fall. As far as injuries go, many industries are at risk, but perhaps surprisingly, workers in government, education, and health services lead the list.

More than one in four people over 65 years old will experience a fall. Also, over 60% of nursing home residents fall each year. According to the CDC in 2005, more than 15,000 people this age died as a result, making it the leading cause of injuries and death from injury. Falls also account for half of all deaths that occur at home, meaning it can happen to anyone.

What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents?

Regarding what causes slip and fall accidents, the most common reasons are:

Home hazards such as broken or uneven steps and throw rugs or other clutter that can be tripped over.

At work, employees slipping on slick floors is attributed to 85% of worker’s compensation claims. Many other falls involve unsafe ladder practices or damaged equipment.

Use of medicines such as tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants, or even over-the-counter medications can affect balance.

Hire an Expert Slip and Fall Attorney

If you have been injured by a slip and fall and have incurred pain, trauma, time away from work, and a pile of medical bills, please contact Ahlander Injury Law to schedule a free initial consultation with our expert slip and fall attorney.

What You Need to Know If You’ve Been Injured In a Dog Bite Incident

September 7, 2018 by Erik

They are cute and furry, but they can be ferocious. Through no fault of their own, sometimes dogs, like humans, become hostile and violent and lash out as a defense mechanism or, even more shameful, have been trained to be aggressive. Sometimes people are victims of this reckless behavior. Dog bites can be painful, both physically and emotionally. If you have been an unfortunate victim of a dog bite, and are in the need of a dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas, this article will help explain your rights and provide tips on how to recover.

Statute of Limitations

The state of Nevada has no specific statute regarding dog bite cases, therefore courts rely on precedent and local ordinance. Dog bites fall under the Nevada injury law statute. There is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury—in this case, a dog bite—so do not delay in pursuing counsel if you are a victim of a dog bite.

Comparative Fault

When you are the victim of a dog bite, there is no doubt that you have been grievously injured, but when dealing with the courts, both sides must be represented and accountable. The State of Nevada follows negligence principles when hearing dog bite cases, so when the hearing starts, both parties are considered equally “at fault.” “Modified comparative fault” is the precedent used in Nevada courts, which finds that if the injury victim is less than 50% at fault, then the dog owner and the dog bite victim share the liability, but if the bite victim is found more than 50% at fault, the damages are completely eliminated.

Steps to Take In Your Dog Bite Case

Your dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas will provide guidance as mediation and a court date draws near, but a few simple steps you can take early in the process are:

Seek necessary medical attention immediately
Contact Ahlander Injury Law as soon as possible
Keep a record of all medical expenses, doctor appointments, and any subsequent communications with the dog owner
Take care of yourself as you heal from the experience

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, but dealing with the aftermath does not have to be. Let Ahlander Injury Law help you through this difficult time. If you think you may be in need of a dog bite lawyer, contact Ahlander Injury Law today for a consultation.

Truck Accident Lawyer: Why Do You Need One?

August 8, 2018 by Erik

The trucking industry is heavily regulated to keep truck drivers and others on the road safe. However, accidents do happen. According to The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2016 there were 4,440 fatal accidents involving trucks and buses in the United States.

The legal system is complicated, and after a traumatic accident, anyone can feel helpless when trying to navigate through the laws and regulations of the trucking industry. Finding an experienced truck accident lawyer in Spring Valley can help you make the best possible decisions for your case.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Trucking accidents are more complicated than a typical car accident and have multiple parties involved. If you are trying to talk with insurance companies on your own instead of hiring someone, getting anything from them will be difficult. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Spring Valley can help you navigate the process of litigation, and get you the compensation you deserve.

What Do Truck Accident Lawyers Do?

An experienced lawyer will provide you with the best legal counsel and to help you determine the best way to proceed with your case. This is accomplished through:

Legal Strategy: Not all trucking accidents go to court. Your experienced truck accident lawyer in Spring Valley will be able to determine what legal strategy is best for your specific case, whether that be through court, mediation, or arbitration.

Establish Fault and Liability: An attorney can be very helpful when establishing who is at fault because many factors go into play when determining liability. Beyond that, anything from improper maintenance on the truck to drowsy driving can change the outcome of the case. That’s because multiple parties are at play in a truck driving accident. Here are a few involved:

Truck driver
Truck company
Truck manufacturer
Contractors
Insurance companies

Let the experienced lawyers negotiate with these parties to get you what you are entitled to.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been in a trucking accident in or around Spring Valley, Nevada, please contact Ahlander Injury Law for a free consultation.