What Is a Pro Se Worker and Their Benefits under the NMWCA

A member of the State Bar of New Mexico, Judge Shanon Riley has practiced law for more than a decade. In 2011, Judge Shanon Riley joined the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration to preside over court proceedings and ensure pro se workers have a complete understanding of the rights outlined in the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Act (NMWCA).

The Latin term pro se translates to “in one’s own behalf.” In law, it refers to a person who chooses to represent themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney. To aid pro se workers appearing before a New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration court, judges make an effort to educate claimants on the NMWCA.

The act requires all companies with three or more employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. The insurance provides a range of benefits for staff members injured on the job. Among these benefits is medical coverage. Eligible individuals can obtain health care services at no expense to themselves. Depending on the severity of an injury, medical care is available for the life of a person. The law also awards compensation for injuries. The amount is based on the length of time a person cannot work while they recover as well as their level of impairment. In severe cases, an employee may be awarded compensation valued at 80 percent or more of their salary for period of up to 700 weeks.