Workplace Injury Lawyer in Las Cruces
A workplace injury can happen in an instant, leaving you with physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty. From medical bills to lost wages, the aftermath of an accident at work can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, New Mexico’s workers’ compensation laws exist to protect employees like you. But when an injury occurs, the process of claiming benefits can be confusing, and getting the compensation you deserve without a workplace injury lawyer isn’t always easy.
If you’ve been injured at work in Las Cruces, NM, it’s critical to have an experienced workplace injury lawyer on your side. W. Shane Jennings is a seasoned workplace injury lawyer in Las Cruces who understands the ins and outs of New Mexico’s workers’ compensation laws. With his guidance, you can focus on recovery while he fights to secure the benefits you’re entitled to. To get started, contact us online or call (575) 308-0308 today.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured at Work?
If you’ve been hurt on the job, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to do after a workplace injury in New Mexico:
What is the First Thing That Must Be Done When a Worker is Injured?
The first priority when a worker is injured is to seek immediate medical attention. Ensuring the worker’s health and safety is crucial. Depending on the severity of the injury, this could mean calling 911 for emergency medical help or transporting the worker to a medical facility. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to have a healthcare professional assess the situation to prevent potential complications.
What Are the Actions to Be Taken When an Injury Occurs in the Workplace?
When an injury happens in the workplace, the following actions should be taken:
Provide medical assistance – Attend to the injured worker, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of care.
Report the injury – The incident must be reported to the employer as soon as possible. In many cases, there are deadlines for reporting injuries, and delays can complicate the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Document the incident – The employer should create a detailed report documenting how the injury occurred, including witnesses and any other relevant information. This report will be crucial for workers’ compensation and any potential investigations.
File a workers’ compensation claim – The injured worker should complete the necessary paperwork to file for workers’ compensation benefits with the assistance of their employer.
How Should Employers Respond to Workplace Injuries?
Employers must respond promptly and professionally to workplace injuries by:
- Ensuring immediate medical care for the injured worker.
- Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities and insurance provider, as required by state regulations.
- Investigating the injury to determine the cause and implement safety measures to prevent future accidents.
- Assisting the employee in filing a workers’ compensation claim, including providing any necessary documentation.
- Maintaining communication with the injured worker, offering support and guidance through their recovery process.
What Steps Should an Employee Take if They Have Been Injured on the Job?
If an employee has been injured on the job, they should:
- Seek medical care immediately to ensure their health and well-being.
- Report the injury to their employer as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor.
- Document the incident – Keep detailed records of how the injury occurred, medical treatments received, and any related conversations with the employer. This may help your workplace injury lawyer best represent you.
- File a workers’ compensation claim – The injured worker should submit a workers’ compensation claim to cover medical expenses and lost wages due to the injury. They should follow their employer’s procedures and meet any required deadlines.
- Consult a Las Cruces workplace injury lawyer if needed, especially if their claim is denied or they face difficulties receiving compensation.
Why Should I Hire a Workplace Injury Lawyer?
While some workers’ compensation cases are straightforward, others can become complicated—especially if your employer or their insurance company disputes the claim. Hiring an experienced workplace injury lawyer in Las Cruces, like W. Shane Jennings, can significantly increase your chances of receiving full compensation. Here’s why:
1. Maximize Your Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to cover medical costs, lost wages, and sometimes even long-term disability benefits. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by arguing that the injury isn’t as severe as claimed or by rushing you back to work before you’ve fully healed. Shane Jennings will fight to ensure that you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under New Mexico law, including:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you’re unable to work while recovering.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits if your injury leads to long-term impairments.
2. Handle Denied or Delayed Claims
Unfortunately, not all workers’ compensation claims are approved right away. Your employer’s insurance company might deny your claim or delay payments, leaving you in financial distress. With Shane Jennings in your corner, you won’t have to navigate the appeals process alone. He’ll handle the legal complexities, ensuring that your case is presented clearly and effectively so you have the best possible chance of success.
3. Protect Your Rights
Employers and insurance companies sometimes pressure injured workers into returning to work prematurely or accepting settlements that don’t cover all their costs. Having a workplace injury lawyer in Las Cruces like Shane Jennings ensures that your rights are protected and that you aren’t forced into a situation that could worsen your injury. He’ll be your advocate, standing up to employers or insurance companies that may try to take advantage of your situation.
What is the Employer’s Responsibility When a Worker is Injured?
The employer has several key responsibilities when a worker is injured:
- Ensure medical care is provided immediately to the injured employee.
- Report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance provider and, if required, to government authorities.
- Investigate the cause of the injury and take steps to improve workplace safety to prevent similar incidents.
- Assist the worker in completing and filing workers’ compensation paperwork.
- Communicate with the injured employee, keeping them informed of their rights and benefits under workers’ compensation laws and supporting them throughout their recovery.
What Benefits Can I Receive from Workers’ Compensation?
In New Mexico, workers’ compensation is designed to provide several different types of benefits to injured workers. These can include:
1. Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation covers all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to your injury. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and any other treatment needed for your recovery. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your medical costs are fully covered.
2. Temporary Disability Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits usually cover a portion of your lost wages—typically two-thirds of your average weekly earnings—until you’re able to return to work.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury leads to a permanent impairment that affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. A workplace injury lawyer can help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available, whether through permanent partial disability or permanent total disability benefits.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation
In cases where your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. These services can help you learn new skills or find new employment suited to your abilities after the injury.
Why Choose W. Shane Jennings?
Choosing the right workplace injury lawyer can make all the difference in your workers’ compensation case. Here’s why W. Shane Jennings is the best choice for injured workers in Las Cruces:
Experience with Local Workers’ Compensation Cases
Shane Jennings has extensive experience handling workplace injury cases throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces. As a trusted workplace injury lawyer, he knows the ins and outs of the state’s workers’ compensation laws and has successfully represented countless injured workers, helping them recover the benefits they deserve.
Personalized Attention and Compassion
At many large law firms, clients can feel like just another case number. With Shane Jennings, you’ll receive personalized, compassionate service. He takes the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a legal strategy that’s tailored to your unique situation.
No Upfront Costs
Shane Jennings works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless he successfully recovers benefits for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about the cost of legal representation.
Get Help With Your Workplace Injury Claim in Las Cruces, NM
If you’ve been injured on the job in Las Cruces, don’t try to handle your workers’ compensation claim alone. W. Shane Jennings, a workplace injury lawyer in Las Cruces, is here to help you every step of the way. With his experience, dedication, and commitment to your case, you’ll have the best chance of recovering the benefits you’re entitled to. Contact Shane today at (575) 308-0308 for a free consultation, and let him fight for your rights.