Who is the Attorney General?

The Attorney General is the chief legal representative of a state, acting on behalf of the state to bring claims against third parties. Relevant to workers’ compensation, the Attorney General can file civil claims against businesses and their owners, as well as criminal claims against both the business and its owners.

The Attorney General, as an agent of the state government, wields significant power and resources in pursuing claims. They can gather information about the business, individuals, and policies from third parties, giving them a considerable advantage in enforcing workers’ compensation laws. This power is particularly pertinent when businesses or individuals fail to maintain proper workers’ compensation coverage.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program in Nevada designed to ensure employees receive treatment for job-related injuries while protecting employers from injury claims. Employers in Nevada are mandated to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. For more detailed information, the State of Nevada publishes an employer guide, available here.

Lawsuits and Criminal Complaints by the Attorney General for Workers’ Compensation Violations

Failure to maintain workers’ compensation insurance can lead to severe penalties and fines. The State often prosecutes such failures, even if the lapse in coverage was temporary, by seeking both civil and criminal action against the business and its responsible parties.

The Attorney General may file a lawsuit in the appropriate court, seeking civil and criminal penalties. Criminal charges can be brought against the business and its owners, leading to various issues, including:

1. Warrants for arrest (if the lawsuit is ignored)
2. A criminal record
3. Substantial monetary penalties
4. Increased future insurance costs
5. Potential loss of other licenses and violations of other business obligations

These are just some of the potential repercussions. There is significant exposure for both the business and the individuals involved, necessitating urgent and diligent handling of the matter.

Resolutions

Our law firm has extensive experience handling lawsuits filed by the Attorney General against our clients. It is crucial to understand that in these lawsuits, the plaintiff is the State of Nevada, which typically has significantly more resources than most businesses or individuals. Therefore, it is essential to engage a law firm like Raich Law as soon as possible to maximize the chances of a successful resolution.