If you recently sustained an injury in a work accident in Albuquerque, you likely have many questions that are in need of answering. One of those questions may be what your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance will provide you with given your injury is covered. For your convenience, below we have outlined what you can expect from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer, however, it is important to take note that some cases may be handled differently.

When a construction worker is injured on the job and their accident qualifies them to collect workers’ compensation benefits, The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration states that they will receive the following:

• Medical care. This is paid for at no expense to the worker.
• Temporary indemnity payments. If the injury has led to an employee being unable to work in order to earn a paycheck for more than seven days, they may be entitled to receive these payments. They are expected to help keep the injured worker and the workers’ family somewhat financially secure until the workers’ medical conditional becomes stable.
• Compensation paid to the worker directly if the injury has led to them being permanently injured with specific, serious injuries. This money may be provided for an extended period of time or for the remainder of the disabled workers’ life.

The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration also points out that workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system that is designed to provide injured workers with the necessary benefits they need “without any dispute over who or what caused the accident.” The good news is that this type of insurance also “protects an employee if that employee accidentally contributes to causing an injury to a fellow employee.”

Although workers’ compensation won’t compensate you at the same salary or hourly rate that you normally make, it can help you if you were involved in a work-related accident that has put you out of work. Now, while most employees in the state of New Mexico are entitled to these benefits, the position you hold along with the type of job you have been hired for all play a role in determining whether you qualify for workers’ compensation.

The construction industry is one where there may be some workers who may or may not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. But, because this industry is among one of the most dangerous to work in, it is important you learn whether your position prohibits or permits you to receive these benefits. In 2016, 1,034 people died in a work-related accident. That same year, for every 100 full-time construction workers, 3.2 were either injured or contracted an illness while on duty [Source: U.S. Department of Labor].

Now, if you are a construction worker who has sustained an injury in New Mexico or someone who lost a spouse or relative in a work-related incident, it would be a good idea to sit down and discuss the legal rights you hold with an Albuquerque, NM construction accident lawyer. At The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC we would be happy to assess your incident and determine what benefits you are entitled to. In some instances, if a construction worker was killed in a preventable accident, the surviving family may be able to recover compensation from additional parties.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your matter in depth, call us now at 505-207-4401.