Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Nebraska

Workers’ compensation is payment to an individual due to an illness or injury sustained while at work. It helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing care, and even funeral expenses.

Workers in all industries are susceptible to health and safety risks. Whether you work in an office building or a construction site, there are still risks involved.

If you’re the victim of an unexpected work-related accident, don’t guess at your rights or let your employer make the decisions for you. Workers’ compensation can vary depending on the injury and its severity.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Nebraska

If you’re injured at work in Nebraska, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits help cover lost wages, medical bills, and long-term care if you’re unable to return to your job.

Your injury must occur while working to qualify. You must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. If you wait longer than two years, you may lose your right to benefits.

You must also seek medical care from an approved provider and keep all records related to your injury and treatment. A delay in reporting or failure to follow the proper process may result in your claim being denied.

For more information about your rights as an injured worker, see the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court FAQ.

In Nebraska, there are four types of workers’ compensation benefits:

• Medical Expenses: Injured workers are entitled to have 100% of their medical expenses covered under most circumstances, including mileage to and from the care facility.
• Temporary Disability: If you miss time from work while recovering from the injury, you are entitled to a percentage of the wages you’re missing out on.
• Permanent Disability: If you wind up with a permanent injury after your recovery is complete, you may be entitled to compensation for the extent of the permanent injury.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If your injury prevents you from performing the work you did before the injury, your employer must help you return to work in a different capacity. As such, it carries the responsibility of paying your disability benefits while you’re going through rehabilitation or re-education.

Friedman Law Offices has years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims in Lincoln and across Nebraska. Our team of attorneys can help you understand which benefits apply to your case and fight to recover what you deserve.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace injuries happen across every industry in Nebraska, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and office settings. In 2024, employers statewide reported 36,175 work-related injuries, including many right here in Lincoln.

Fatalities are also a reality. In 2023, 46 Nebraska workers died from job-related injuries. Nearly half were due to transportation-related incidents involving trucks, trailers, or roadside construction zones.

Some of the most common accidents we see include:

• Construction and Industrial Accidents: These often involve heavy machinery, electrical hazards, or falling objects. Workers may suffer crushing injuries, burns, amputations, or long-term trauma.
• Slip-and-Fall Injuries or Falls From Height: Wet floors, loose cables, broken railings, and unstable ladders cause serious injuries, such as fractures, spinal injuries, or brain trauma.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: These include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or chronic back pain from repeated motion. Over time, these injuries limit movement and reduce productivity.
• Occupational Illnesses: Workers may develop respiratory issues, skin disorders, or even cancer from prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals or poor air quality.

Jobsite injuries also happen because of the carelessness of other people. For example, an SUV drove into a construction zone at 48th and Sumner in Lincoln on July 23, 2025, striking two workers pouring concrete.

These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent real people, families, and livelihoods disrupted by unsafe working conditions. If you or someone you love is hurt on the job, contact us today for a free consultation. Our law firm can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.

Reasons Your Workers’ Compensation Claim May Be Denied

Even valid claims are sometimes denied. If this happens, don’t assume the decision is final.

Common reasons for denial include:

• Missed Deadlines: Waiting too long to report the injury or file the claim may forfeit your right to benefits.
• Paperwork Errors: Incomplete or inaccurate forms may delay or derail your case.
• Insufficient Medical Evidence: If your injury isn’t well documented or your medical records are inconsistent, your claim may be denied.
• Disputes Over Pre-existing Conditions: Insurance companies often claim your injury was caused by a prior condition rather than a workplace accident.
• Employer Disputes: Sometimes an employer will challenge whether the injury happened at work.

The workers’ compensation attorneys at Friedman Law Offices can take the already insurmountable stress off you and your family. We handle the paperwork, gather medical records, and deal directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

We build strong cases backed by evidence, and we can fight to make sure injured workers in Lincoln and across Nebraska get the support they need.