What Is the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Act?

Prior to accepting responsibilities as a judge, Shanon Riley built an accomplished career as an attorney through positions with law firms and government entities across New Mexico. Drawing on this experience, Shanon Riley now serves in her capacity as workers’ compensation judge with the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration.

New Mexico enacted its first workers’ compensation regulation in 1927, less than two decades after it became a state. This original law prevented employees injured on the job from suing those who had purchased insurance while also ensuring that workers who had been injured had access to medical care and compensation. Since its first iteration, the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Act has undergone several revisions to ensure that it meets the needs of all parties.

Today, employers with at least three workers must purchase workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees in cases of illness or injury. This coverage is mandatory for all employers but a few, including those who employ farm workers, real estate salespeople, and domestic servants.

As of 2016, the act also provides a number of benefits to employees who incur injuries while working on the job. For instance, these individuals will receive medical coverage for any physician visits or therapy sessions they must attend to help overcome their injuries. Those who do not work for extended periods of time due to injury may receive temporary, permanent partial, or permanent total disability compensation to make up for lost wages.