Work Injury Lawyers New Mexico

New Mexico Work Accidents

From the oil rigs of the Permian Basin to the laboratories of Los Alamos, from construction sites in booming Albuquerque to farms in the Mesilla Valley, New Mexico workers face diverse occupational hazards every day. When workplace injuries strike, you need more than just workers’ compensation—you need advocates who understand all your legal options. At Law Giant Injury Lawyers, our work injury attorneys serve injured workers across all 33 counties of New Mexico, fighting for maximum compensation through every available avenue.

With over $1 billion recovered for injury victims and decades of combined experience, we understand the complexities of New Mexico workplace injury law. While workers’ compensation provides basic benefits, it’s often insufficient for serious injuries. Our attorneys identify third-party claims, fight workers’ comp denials, and ensure you receive every dollar you deserve. Call (505) 900-0000 for a free consultation—we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Understanding Workplace Injuries in New Mexico

New Mexico’s diverse economy creates equally diverse workplace dangers. Our state consistently ranks among the most dangerous for workers, with injury rates exceeding national averages in multiple industries. Whether you work in energy extraction, healthcare, construction, agriculture, or any other field, workplace accidents can change your life in an instant.

The aftermath of a work injury involves navigating complex systems: workers’ compensation claims, potential third-party lawsuits, disability benefits, and more. Many injured workers don’t realize they may have claims beyond workers’ comp, especially when injuries result from defective equipment, negligent contractors, or vehicle accidents during work. Our attorneys evaluate every angle to maximize your recovery.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries Across New Mexico

Oil and Gas Industry Injuries

The Permian Basin boom has brought prosperity but also danger to southeastern New Mexico. Common injuries include:

• Drilling rig accidents and blowouts
• Chemical exposures and burns
• Equipment failures and crush injuries
• Transportation accidents between well sites
• Hydrogen sulfide and other toxic exposures
• Falls from derricks and platforms

Construction Site Accidents

New Mexico’s growth fuels construction from Santa Fe to Las Cruces, bringing risks like:

• Falls from heights (scaffolding, roofs, ladders)
• Struck-by accidents (falling objects, equipment)
• Caught-in/between accidents (trenches, machinery)
• Electrocutions from power lines or tools
• Equipment accidents (cranes, forklifts, power tools)

Mining Industry Injuries

From copper in Grant County to potash near Carlsbad, mining dangers include:

• Cave-ins and roof collapses
• Equipment accidents underground
• Respiratory diseases from dust exposure
• Chemical exposures
• Explosions and fires

Agricultural and Ranch Injuries

New Mexico’s agricultural heritage brings unique risks:

• Tractor rollovers and equipment accidents
• Livestock-related injuries
• Pesticide and chemical exposures
• Heat-related illnesses
• Grain elevator and silo accidents

Healthcare Worker Injuries

From major hospitals to rural clinics, healthcare workers face:

• Back injuries from patient lifting
• Needlestick and sharps injuries
• Workplace violence
• Slip and fall accidents
• Exposure to infectious diseases

Transportation and Delivery Injuries

New Mexico’s vast distances mean many workers drive for their jobs:

• Commercial truck accidents
• Delivery vehicle crashes
• Loading dock injuries
• Repetitive stress from driving

Manufacturing and Warehouse Injuries

Industrial facilities statewide see injuries from:

• Machine guarding failures
• Forklift accidents
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Chemical exposures
• Slip and fall accidents

Your Rights Beyond Workers' Compensation

While New Mexico workers’ compensation provides medical care and partial wage replacement regardless of fault, it often falls short of full compensation. Importantly, you may have additional claims that can provide complete recovery:

Third-Party Claims

When someone other than your employer causes your injury, you can pursue full damages beyond workers’ comp limits:

• Vehicle accidents – Other drivers who cause work-related crashes
• Defective equipment – Manufacturers of dangerous machinery or tools
• Negligent contractors – Other companies working on the same site
• Property owners – Premises liability for unsafe conditions
• Toxic exposures – Chemical manufacturers or suppliers

Employer Liability Exceptions

While workers’ comp usually protects employers from lawsuits, exceptions exist:

• Intentional injuries by employers
• Employers without required workers’ comp insurance
• Dual capacity situations (employer acting as manufacturer)
• Certain federal law claims (FELA for railroad workers)

Workers’ Compensation Challenges in New Mexico

Even when workers’ comp should cover your injury, insurers often create obstacles:

Common Denials We Fight

• Claims the injury didn’t occur at work
• Allegations of horseplay or intoxication
• Disputes about pre-existing conditions
• Denials of specific medical treatments
• Refusal to acknowledge permanent disability
• Termination of benefits too early

Maximum Medical Improvement Disputes

Insurers push doctors to declare you at “maximum medical improvement” to stop benefits. We fight these determinations with independent medical exams and expert testimony.

Return to Work Issues

Employers may claim “light duty” work is available when it’s not suitable for your restrictions. We ensure any return to work is truly within your capabilities.

Special Considerations for New Mexico Work Injuries

Federal Jurisdiction Workers

New Mexico’s federal facilities create unique situations:

• Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories
• Military bases (Kirtland, Holloman, Cannon)
• Federal buildings and installations
• Tribal employment on sovereign lands

These workers may fall under federal workers’ comp systems with different rules and benefits.

Cross-Border Employment

Workers injured while working across state lines or in Mexico face jurisdictional complexities our attorneys can navigate.

Undocumented Worker Rights

Regardless of immigration status, injured workers have rights in New Mexico. We protect all workers while maintaining complete confidentiality.

Agricultural Worker Exemptions

Some farm and ranch workers aren’t covered by workers’ comp, making third-party claims even more critical for recovery.

Compensation Available for Work Injuries

Through Workers’ Compensation

• Medical treatment (no out-of-pocket costs)
• Temporary disability (partial wage replacement)
• Permanent partial disability ratings
• Permanent total disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Death benefits for families

Through Third-Party Claims

• Full lost wages (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in egregious cases)
• Full medical expenses
• Spouse’s loss of consortium

Why Choose Law Giant for Your Work Injury Case

Comprehensive Approach

We don’t just handle workers’ comp—we identify every possible avenue for compensation, often finding third-party claims that multiply recovery.

Statewide Experience

From oil fields to hospitals, mines to farms, we understand New Mexico’s diverse workplace dangers and the laws that protect workers.

Resource Advantage

Work injury cases often require extensive investigation, expert witnesses, and the ability to take on large corporations. We have the resources to match any opponent.

No Upfront Costs

We work on contingency for all claims. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Take Action to Protect Your Future

Work injuries threaten your health, income, and family’s security. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your injuries or employers pressure you back to work too soon. You have rights beyond basic workers’ compensation, and time limits apply to all claims.

From the northern mountains to the southern desert, from the eastern plains to the western plateaus, Law Giant Injury Lawyers fights for injured workers throughout New Mexico. We understand that your work isn’t just a job—it’s how you provide for your family and contribute to our state’s economy. When injury disrupts your life, we’re here to help rebuild it.

Contact us at (505) 900-0000 or online for a free, confidential consultation. Let our experienced work injury attorneys evaluate all your options and fight for the full compensation you deserve. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests—you deserve the same level of representation.