Respected Santa Fe Lawyer Helps Injured workers Secure Payment
Peter White delivers reliable representation in workers’ compensation matters
Job-related injuries can disrupt your life and require extensive time off work. At Peter D. White in Santa Fe, I fight on behalf of injured workers and represent clients throughout the Santa Fe area in workers’ compensation matters. With more than three decades of legal experience, I am not intimidated by insurance company tactics and know how to overcome their reasons for denying the benefits you are owed. Whether you need assistance filing a claim, appealing a denial of benefits or pursuing compensation from a negligent third party, I will evaluate your case and seek the reimbursement you are entitled to for medical costs and lost income.
What benefits are injured employees entitled to under workers’ compensation law?
With a few exceptions, New Mexico employers are legally required to carry workers' compensation coverage. This insurance grants benefits to employees injured on-the-job, even if the employer was not at fault. If an insurer approves the injury claim, it will reimburse a portion of an injured employee’s lost wages, cover injury-related medical expenses (including vocational rehabilitation/retraining if you are unable to return to your previous job), as well as provide temporary or permanent disability payouts for severe injuries. In the event of a work-related fatality, the policy pays death benefits to the victim’s family.
The most common workplace injuries
Accidents can happen in any line of work. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Head injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Hand injuries
Employers and insurance companies often try to minimize or deny compensation to keep costs down, but I will fight to get you the benefits you are entitled to after you’ve been hurt at work.
What is the process to file a workers’ compensation claim and appeal a denial of benefits?
Injured employees have 15 days from the date of the injury to notify their employer and one year to file a claim for benefits. Once a claim is submitted, employees receive a decision from the insurer, often within 10 days, approving or denying benefits. If benefits are denied, you can appeal through the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission. This appeals process starts with mediation, and then proceeds to formal dispute resolution before an administrative law judge if mediation is unsuccessful. The claim and appeals process can be complex, and I will ensure your claim is properly filed and fairly considered.
When can you file a lawsuit to recover compensation for workplace injuries?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning employees give up the right to sue their employer and co-workers in exchange for the payment of medical treatment costs and partial reimbursement of lost wages or salary. If, however, a third party caused the accident or injury, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit for damages, including disallowed medical expenses, unreimbursed lost pay, pain and suffering and mental distress. I know how to accurately assess liability and damages in these claims and will not settle for less than you deserve.
Contact a responsive New Mexico law firm to schedule a free consultation
At Peter D. White Attorney, I understand the difficulties injured workers face and represent New Mexico employees in workers’ compensation matters. Please call 505-501-7986 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation at my Santa Fe office.
