Albuquerque Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Albuquerque, NM

Workers’ compensation can feel like a standard process. You get injured. You notify your employer. They tell you “go to this doctor” and “submit this form.” Shortly after, you may even receive a check for benefits. When no one explains anything to you, it is easy to assume you are only entitled to what you are given and have no say in the process. This is not true.

At Garrett Law, we help people understand their benefits and rights and give them the voice they need to enforce them. We represent private and city employees who are injured on construction sites, at hotels, at schools, in the film industry, on public property, or anywhere else in Albuquerque and the surrounding area.

“As a former defense lawyer, I handled many workers’ compensation claims for major insurance companies in New Mexico. I know how they make decisions, why they make them and how to build a strong case against them.” – Attorney Aaron Garrett

Garrett Law Will Make Sure Yours Is Heard

We help people at the start of the process and after something has gone wrong:

• Was your initial claim denied? You may be entitled to benefits even if the insurance company says your injury does not qualify. You are also entitled to request a second opinion.
• Are you happy with your doctor? You can seek treatment from a doctor of your choosing.
• Did you injure your arm or leg? You may be entitled to additional benefits for “scheduled injuries” the insurance company will not tell you about.
• Were you denied coverage for a surgery you need? You are entitled to the treatment your doctor says you need.

Get Answers To Your Questions

If you have been injured at work, you may have a lot of questions. It can be difficult to get answers to these questions, because you may not feel like you can ask your employer. At Garrett Law our team is devoted to helping clients with their personal injury and workers’ compensation needs. Our founder spent the early part of his career working on behalf of companies in workers’ compensation disputes before changing focus to helping the injured. This means that our team is particularly able to answer your questions about what to expect. Below are a few of our frequently asked questions.

How do I know if I will get workers’ comp benefits?

There are two conditions that must be met for you to be qualified for workers’ compensation benefits if you receive a workplace injury. You must be classified as an employee rather than as a contractor or freelancer, and your employer must carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy. The vast majority of employers do carry these policies, as most are required by law. Whether or not your employer has a policy should be posted in a public area at your workplace.

Can I go to my own doctor?

In New Mexico, this depends on your employer. They may allow you to see your own doctor after a work accident, or they may choose one for you. If you are injured at work, you should ask your employer about this as soon as possible.

Do I have to accept their first offer?

You never have to accept an offer from an insurance adjuster. In some cases, the insurance companies offer an initial lowball settlement amount to see if they can close the case easily, but will up the amount if your lawyer talks to them. This is a benefit of hiring an attorney promptly rather than trying to handle it yourself: your lawyer will be able to evaluate offers from the insurance company and tell you if they are legitimate.

The insurance company said I don’t have a case. What do I do?

This may or may not be true. Sometimes, insurance adjusters will try to convince you that you do not have a case to get you to drop it. This is another instance in which an attorney can help you, by telling you if they are being honest or not.

When Should You Return To Work After An Injury?

If you’ve been injured on the job, then you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you financially until you get back on your feet.

Workers’ compensation benefits are usually temporary, and employers and insurers will be eager to get you back to work as soon as possible. However, this should not happen at the expense of your well-being.

At Garrett Law, our skilled attorneys have years of experience in dealing with workers’ compensation cases. They can help ensure that the decisions you make are in your best interests.

You should not be forced to return to work by your employer. The key factors in this decision are how you feel and whether you have been given medical clearance by your authorized healthcare provider.

Regular contact with your doctor will help you accurately assess your condition. Once you have recovered to the maximum extent, they will give you an opportunity to return to work, but it may be with additional restrictions. Your employer has an obligation to either accommodate your restrictions, or inform you they cannot do so. If they cannot accommodate your restrictions, you have no obligation to return to work.

In some cases, a return to your previous duties may not be possible. Your doctor may insist that you are only fit to carry out restricted duties. It’s important to keep a record of this and pass it on to your employers so that they can make the necessary adjustments. If you return to work and are being forced to carry out tasks that go against the recommendations of your doctor, then it’s important to contact a workers’ compensation attorney. This is a violation of your rights, and it could jeopardize your safety.

Once you have returned to work, you should notify the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration. One of our workers’ compensation lawyers would be happy to discuss your rights when you have been returned to work. If there are restrictions on your work duties, you may still be entitled to partial benefits.

Talk To A Lawyer About Your Situation Today

No matter the specifics of your case, an attorney can offer insight that you may not be able to get on your own. To discuss your case with a member of our team, call our Albuquerque office today at 505-242-1920. You have nothing to lose: the meeting is free, and if you hire us, you do not pay anything unless we win for you.

Injured At Work Or Already Receiving Benefits? Let’s Chat. No Obligation.

We have helped people whose rights have been violated in many ways and at all stages of the process. If you have questions about workers’ compensation, we encourage you to call us and schedule a free initial consultation. Our goal is to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to under the law.

Call our office at 505-242-1920 or send us an email. We make it our priority to respond to any messages or emails within 24 hours.

Nosotros hablamos español.

Workers’ Compensation Claims