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FAQ Index

1. Get Medical Care & Report the Injury
2. Protecting Your Job During the Claims Process
3. What Compensation Are You Entitled to Under Nebraska Law?
4. Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for a Work Injury?
5. Time Limits: Don’t Miss Your Filing Window
6. Why Legal Help Matters—Even For “Simple” Claims
7. Protect What Matters Most After a Work Injury

Protect Your Health, Job, Compensation

Getting hurt at work is more than just a medical emergency—it’s a legal and financial one, too. From the moment an injury occurs, the choices you make can affect your ability to recover physically, keep your job, and secure full compensation.

This guide offers a look at what Nebraska workers need to know right away.

Get Medical Care & Report the Injury

Your health and safety should always be your top priority after a workplace injury. Even if the injury seems minor, seeking immediate medical attention is essential to ensure proper care and to document the injury for your workers’ compensation claim. Prompt reporting to your employer is equally important, as delays can jeopardize your ability to collect benefits under Nebraska law. When you notify your employer, ensure you follow any internal procedures for reporting injuries and provide all necessary details.

• Seek medical treatment—even if the injury seems minor. Early documentation supports your claim.
• Notify your employer or supervisor as soon as possible (preferably in writing).
• Take notes or photos of the scene and collect names of any witnesses.

Nebraska Requirement:
State law requires injured employees to inform their employer “as soon as practicable.” Delay can harm your eligibility for benefits.

Why It Matters: By reporting the injury and seeking medical care right away, you help protect your health and strengthen your claim. A delay in either reporting or treatment could result in complications in your case, including the possibility that your injury is not recognized as work-related. Timely action also ensures that the appropriate documentation is created and that you meet the necessary deadlines for filing your workers’ compensation claim.

Explore our Workers’ Compensation Services.

Protecting Your Job During the Claims Process

Injured workers often worry about retaliation or job loss. While Nebraska is an at-will employment state, you still have rights.

Nebraska employers cannot:

• Fire or discipline you solely for filing a valid workers’ compensation claim.
• Interfere with your medical treatment or recovery time.
• Force you back to work before a doctor clears you.

If you’re medically cleared for “light duty,” your employer must make reasonable accommodations—or risk legal exposure.

Tip: Keep written communication with your employer and doctor. It’s your best defense if employment issues arise.

It’s important to know the steps to take If You are Injured at Work.

What Compensation Are You Entitled to Under Nebraska Law?

Under Nebraska’s Workers’ Compensation Act if you are injured on the job, you are entitled to various forms of compensation. This includes coverage for medical expenses, temporary wage replacement, and compensation for permanent disabilities caused by your injury. It’s essential to understand the full range of benefits you’re eligible for, including temporary total disability (TTD) and permanent partial disability (PPD), so you don’t miss out on crucial support during your recovery.  Here are specific protections and benefits:

• Medical expenses for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Temporary total disability (TTD) if you can’t work at all.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) if you can return in a reduced capacity.
• Permanent impairment benefits if your injury causes lasting damage.
• Mileage reimbursement for medical appointments.

Why it matters: Knowing what benefits you’re entitled to ensures that you receive the appropriate compensation for your injury. Many injured workers are unaware of the full range of benefits available to them and may miss out on compensation like wage replacement or medical expenses. Understanding these benefits, and the process for claiming them, helps you avoid financial hardship while you recover. 

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for a Work Injury?

Workers’ compensation usually prevents you from suing your employer. However, you may still be able to sue a third party, depending on how the accident occurred.

You can file a personal injury claim if:

• A subcontractor, vendor, or delivery driver caused the accident.
• You were injured by defective equipment or machinery.
• Your employer engaged in intentional misconduct (rare exceptions).

These cases allow you to seek additional damages, including pain and suffering, full lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.

Internal Link: [Third-Party Work Injury Claims] or [Workers’ Comp vs. Personal Injury in Nebraska].

Nebraska Statutes to Know:

• Workers’ comp: 2-year filing deadline (§ 48-137)
• Third-party personal injury: 4-year deadline (§ 25-207)

Time Limits: Don’t Miss Your Filing Window

In Nebraska, there are strict deadlines that apply to workers’ compensation and third-party injury claims. These time limits are crucial to protecting your right to compensation, and missing one can result in losing your chance to pursue benefits altogether. It is important to understand the filing deadlines for notifying your employer, submitting your workers’ comp claim, and pursuing third-party claims, as each has different requirements.

Why it matters: Filing within the prescribed time frames is essential to preserving your claim. Missing even one deadline—whether for reporting the injury, filing the workers’ compensation claim, or pursuing third-party claims—can permanently prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve. Consulting with an attorney early ensures you meet all deadlines and that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Why Legal Help Matters—Even for “Simple” Claims

It may seem like a straightforward workers’ compensation claim is something you can handle on your own, but even the simplest cases can quickly become complicated. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your compensation or dispute the legitimacy of your claim. An experienced attorney can guide you through the entire process, helping you understand your rights, handle communications with insurance, and resolve any disputes that may arise.

A skilled work injury attorney can:

• Collect key evidence and medical records.
• Ensure deadlines are met and forms are properly filed.
• Represent you in hearings before the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court.
• Assess third-party liability for additional recovery.
• Negotiate settlements and protect your job rights.

Why it matters: Hiring a lawyer ensures that you don’t miss crucial steps or overlook important details that could affect your claim. An attorney can also help you identify third-party claims that may entitle you to additional compensation. Even if your case seems simple, legal expertise can improve the chances of a favorable outcome and prevent costly mistakes.

Learn How to Find a Good Lawyer.

Protect What Matters Most After a Work Injury

When you’re injured at work, your health, job, and financial future are all on the line. Knowing your rights and getting experienced legal help can make all the difference.

At Chandler|Conway Law, we help Nebraska workers:

• Navigate the workers’ compensation system.
• Evaluate third-party personal injury claims.
• Fight employer retaliation.
• Secure full and fair compensation.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let our team protect your future—because your recovery deserves more than guesswork.