Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Our Experienced Legal Team is on Your Side
Workers’ compensation benefits are a right of most employees in the
United States. However, those benefits do not come automatically. There
are processes that injured employees must follow in order to receive workers’
compensation benefits.
For assistance with filing your workers’ compensation claim and taking
the steps toward receiving the benefits you deserve, contact Trenchard
& Hoskins today.
Send us a message or call
(575) 214-3888 for a free consultation with our legal team.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to injured employees
in most industries. New Mexico, like most states, requires almost all
employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Specifically,
“All businesses that employ three or more workers are required to
have coverage,” according to the state’s
Workers’ Compensation Administration. Some exceptions to this rule include domestic workers, real estate agents,
and workers who are covered by federal programs. If you are not employed
in one of these industries, it is highly likely that you qualify for workers’
compensation benefits.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The first step of filing a workers’ compensation claim is reporting
your injuries to your employer. This must be done within 15 days of the
accident. You will need to complete a “Notice of Accident”
form and other paperwork as part of the filing procedure. Then, your employer
will need to report your injury to their workers’ compensation insurance company.
The doctor who treats your work injury will need to be chosen from a list
of medical providers who are approved by the workers’ compensation
insurance company, unless you have predesignated your own doctor. The
doctor will update your employer and their insurance company on your progress
and work with the insurance provider to pay your medical bills.
Other benefits, such as lost wages, are determined by evaluating your injuries
and negotiating with the workers’ compensation insurance company.
Your injury will be classified as a temporary total disability, temporary
partial disability, permanent total disability, or permanent partial disability,
and your benefits will be allotted based on that classification.
What if My Employer Does Not Assist Me with My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Your employer has a responsibility to provide you with assistance if you
have been injured on the job. Upon reporting your injury, they must give
you the necessary forms and begin the claims process with their insurance
company. If they have not taken these steps, are uninsured, or have otherwise
hindered your attempt to file a claim, you may be able to recover benefits
through the state’s Workers’ Compensation Administration.
New Mexico has a system called the Uninsured Employers’ Fund (UEF),
which pays injured employees and collects reimbursement from the employer.
We are available for free consultations. Complete our
contact form or call
(575) 214-3888 today to get started on your case.