Trusted Albuquerque Workplace Injury Attorney
Workplace injuries can happen in any occupation, from construction sites to office environments. When workers in Albuquerque suffer injuries on the job, they have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. An Albuquerque workplace injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation and allow you to approach this challenging situation with clarity.
At Garrett Law, we understand the challenges that injured workers face in Albuquerque. As members of this community, our Albuquerque worker compensation lawyers are committed to helping our neighbors obtain the compensation they are entitled to while providing compassionate, personalized legal guidance throughout the process.
Common Types Of Workplace Injuries
The physical demands and hazards present in different work environments can lead to a wide range of injuries. Here are some of the most frequently seen workplace injuries:
- Back and spine injuries. Heavy lifting, repetitive motions and falls can cause serious back injuries, ranging from herniated discs to spinal cord damage. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may lead to permanent disability.
- Repetitive stress injuries. Office workers and manufacturing employees frequently develop conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and other musculoskeletal disorders caused by repeated movements or poor ergonomics.
- Head and brain injuries. Falls, falling objects and other accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ranging from mild concussions to severe trauma. These injuries may have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and quality of life. About 30% of them grow worse within a five-year span.
- Burns and chemical exposure. Workers in industrial settings face risks from hot surfaces, fires and hazardous materials. These injuries can cause severe pain, scarring and long-term health complications.
These injuries can have serious long-term consequences for workers and their families, affecting both their ability to work and their quality of life. These injuries may have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and quality of life. About 30% of them grow worse within a five-year span.
Steps To Take After A Workplace Injury
Taking the right actions immediately following a workplace accident can significantly impact your recovery and potential compensation. Follow these important steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention. Your health comes first. Get immediate medical care, even if the injury seems minor. Visit a local medical center like UNM Health System or Presbyterian Hospital for help.
- Report the incident. Notify your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible. Make sure the incident is documented in writing, including details about how the injury occurred.
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, missed work days and any correspondence related to your injury.
- Hire a workplace injury lawyer. Work with an experienced workplace injury lawyer who understands New Mexico workplace injury laws and can protect your rights.
By following these steps promptly and systematically, you can better position yourself for both physical recovery and fair compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
The main cause of most workplace injuries is negligence. This simple term encompasses a wide variety of decisions made that create unsafe conditions. These simple actions can include breaking workplace regulations, making serious lapses in judgment, or even cutting corners on safety for financial reasons.
Here are some common workplace accidents and situations that may cause them:
- Slips, trips, and falls. OSHA notes that 20-30% of these incidents can cause moderate to severe injuries. Common causes include lack of safety equipment while working at heights, visual impairments, and unsafe terrain due to the presence of uneven or damaged surfaces, as well as tripping risks like tools and cables.
- Fires and explosions. OSHA estimates that these risks cost about $2 billion yearly in damage, lost productivity, and medical bills. They can result from improper safety procedures, such as gas leaks, chemical mixtures, failure to clean up residues, unsafe use of tools, electrical problems, and more.
- Repetitive strain. Even small motions can become harmful when performed again and again in an unsafe way. Workplaces that don’t use proper safety equipment, or pressure employees into skipping breaks or working too frequently on one task, put people at risk for muscle, tendon, ligament, vision, and hearing strain.
When companies engage in negligent behavior, an employee’s entire future could be at risk. One wrong move in an unsafe environment and a person could be scarred for life and left with soaring medical bills.
Our law firm takes pride in helping individuals stand up to the unsafe conditions of workplaces and advocate for fair resolutions that compensate them for undue harm suffered.
How to Prove Your Employer Was Negligent
While many workplace injuries may seem self-evident because of the damage they cause, success in a legal case means proving negligence on the part of the employer. This generally requires you to show that the employer failed to provide a reasonably safe work environment. Furthermore, you must show how this failure contributed to your injury.
One of the most common ways to do this is to expose unsafe conditions at work. Employers have a responsibility to inspect for these risks and correct them. Common examples include:
- Outdated or unserviced equipment
- Exposed wiring
- Lack of proper safety systems on equipment
- Clutter or visual hazards
- A lack of consistent safety inspections
- High objects prone to falling
- Tripping hazards
- Enclosed spaces without adequate room to move
These are just some of the situations you can document to prove negligence to the court, and increase your chance of a successful workplace accident claim. In addition, you can document issues such as a lack of safety training, unsafe workplace demands, a lack of personal safety equipment, and more.
Through a combination of workplace photographs and video, witness testimonies, and records of maintenance and safety activities, you can demonstrate if an employer cut corners in their legal requirement to provide and maintain a safe work area.
Not only can we help you gather this evidence, but we can use our knowledge of workplace accident laws to guide your case and work toward the fairest outcome possible.
FAQs About Albuquerque, NM Workplace Injury Laws
What If My Employer Asks Me to Settle?
If your employer asks you to settle, make sure you contact legal representation first. Many workplaces may try to expedite the process of handling workplace injury claims so they can quickly move past them and potentially cover up the incident. By consulting a lawyer from our firm, you can obtain advice on whether a potential deal is worthwhile or should be passed on.
What Could a Workplace Injury Settlement Cover?
A workplace injury settlement could cover a variety of damages, including medical bills, future medical needs related to your injury, lost wages, lifestyle changes, and pain and suffering. Understanding the details of your situation can help our law firm assess what type of settlement you may receive, and what we need to do to expedite the process and pursue an ideal resolution.
What Evidence Could Be Used in a Workplace Injury Claim?
A workplace injury claim can use a variety of evidence. This includes photos and videos of the injury and the location where it took place, as well as witness testimonies from coworkers or other personnel who witnessed it. Your company may also be required to provide insights into policies to determine if they were following safety procedures.
What If I Can’t Return to My Original Job?
If you can’t return to your original job due to major health issues or a conflict of interest with your employer, you may be able to get reassigned to another position as a result of your settlement. You may also be able to receive resources to support you in the interim as you seek a new position, or resolve your health issues so you can fully resume your former role.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workplace Injury Claim?
It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer to help with your workplace injury claim. Doing so can make it much easier to manage everything from preliminary processes like paperwork to the formal negotiations that impact your settlement. A lawyer understands the tactics that companies and their insurers often use to try to avoid responsibility. We can anticipate and counter these strategies, increasing your chance of a more favorable outcome.
Hire an Albuquerque Workplace Injury Lawyer Today
At Garrett Law, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your workplace injury case. We treat every workplace injury claim with the seriousness it deserves, because we believe workers have a right to a safe work environment free of negligence. If you have been hurt and need legal support, an Albuquerque workplace injury attorney from our firm is here to support you.
Our firm has earned many positive reviews for our diligent work, which includes earning millions on behalf of past clients. While no case outcome is guaranteed, you can count on the skilled legal representation at our law firm, and we will work tirelessly for you. We understand that injured workers need solutions fast. Our team handles the complex legal processes while you focus on recovery. Contact our Albuquerque office online to schedule your consultation. We only get paid if your case is a success.
