In the world of workers' rights, two important laws – Assembly Bill 165 and Senate Bill 274 – are now in effect. These new laws bring changes which directly impact workers and employers.
At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our workers’ compensation attorneys closely track new and pending legislation to provide injured workers and their families with the exceptional counsel they deserve. Here, we’ve taken the time to outline the two recent legislative changes in Nevada that impact workers and explain what they’re all about.
A Guide to Assembly Bill 165 and Senate Bill 274
Assembly Bill 165: Fair Treatment for Injured Workers
Assembly Bill 165 (AB 165) implements a major change into Nevada law to ensure injured workers are treated fairly.
Specifically, AB 165 revises provisions governing how workers can receive payments for permanent partial disability (PPD).
Under previous law, only claimants with a PPD rating over 30% were able to choose if they wanted to receive a portion of their awarded benefits as a lump sum. Thanks to AB 165, claimants whose injuries do not exceed 30% may now elect to receive the entirety of their compensation in a lump sum, rather than weekly benefits.
AB 165 helps make the process of receiving PPD benefits for ratings under 30% clearer and more consistent, which in turn makes it easier for injured workers to get the compensation they deserve. The legislative change applies to workers injured on or after July 1, 2017.
Senate Bill 274: Enhancing Worker Protections
Starting January 1, 2024, Senate Bill 274 (SB 274) introduces important improvements to protect injured workers. Here are some key areas it addresses:
- Benefit Penalties: The law now has stricter rules to ensure injured workers get the compensation they deserve.
- Changed Timelines: Senate Bill 274 introduces new timelines to make the process of handling workers' compensation claims more organized. This change aims to make sure injured workers get timely resolutions for their claims.
- Second Opinions from Physicians: In a move towards transparency and fairness, the law allows injured workers to seek second opinions from doctors. This empowers individuals to ensure they get accurate medical assessments.
- Regulations for Rating Physicians: The new law introduces rules for evaluating doctors, contributing to a more consistent and fair evaluation of medical assessments related to workers' compensation claims.
Questions About a Work Injury Case? We Can Help.
As a personal injury and workers' compensation law firm, we understand how these changes affect the rights and protections of injured workers. Our commitment to guiding and advocating for our clients remains strong. These new laws aim to create a more fair and clear workers' compensation system, aligning with our mission to make sure people are treated fairly and receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
If you have questions or concerns about how these changes may impact your workers' compensation case, or if you have questions about a recent work-related injury, our team at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen is available to help. Call (702) 505-8115 or contact us to speak with a lawyer.