Workers Compensation in Albuquerque, NM

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by New Mexico state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Albuquerque, NM workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

Slips, falls, overexertion, repetitive motion injuries, and auto accidents are the most common workplace injuries suffered in Albuquerque. In New Mexico, the transportation, construction, retail, and manufacturing are the industries where injuries are the most common. The City of Albuquerque actively encourages all citizens to report potential hazards and risks in order to save lives and money. Primarily, this is due to the fact that a medically consulted injury has an average cost of nearly $39,000 per year.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

According to The New Mexico State Workers’ Compensation Administration, all businesses with 3 or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Benefits entitle a worker to medical care, as well as wage replacement if you are unable to return to work. You can qualify for mental health benefits. However, only if you can prove that you suffer from substantial harm that you can directly link to work.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Albuquerque, NM are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from an Albuquerque, NM healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

In Albuquerque,  sooner is better than later when filing. Report your injury to your employer both verbally, and in written form. This can protect you later if there is a dispute about where the injury took place. You should seek medical treatment, and obtain two copies of the doctors’ report. Keep one copy for yourself and submit one copy to your employer when you file your injury report. Seeking medical care and filing quickly lessens the chance of medical conditions worsening, and saves money and recovery time.

Timeline and Other Information

Your employer is required to submit your claim to their insurance company within 72 hours of filing. When you or your employer submit your claim, the insurer has 10 working days to inform you if they have approved or denied the claim. In New Mexico, temporary disability allows for benefits up to 700 weeks. Permanent disability allows for a lifetime of benefits.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire an Albuquerque, New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in others it may be more difficult. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Albuquerque workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Albuquerque, NM you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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