Albuquerque Chronic Injuries Attorney: Are You Disabled Because Of A Repetitive Strain Injury?

If you have been working at your job for many years and have been doing the same physical tasks every day, you may end up with a repetitive strain injury. Workers required to type at a keyboard daily have sometimes been diagnosed with repetitive strain injury to the tendons in their hands known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The chronic pain and stiffness from these types of injuries can make it impossible for workers to continue doing the tasks they are paid to do.

Repetitive strain injuries can injure any part of a worker’s body, depending on the type of work they do. After years of heavy lifting, a worker may experience chronic back or shoulder pain. Chronic pain or injuries can be made worse by pre-existing vascular disease, diabetes, or insomnia.

When chronic pain lasting over three to six months makes it hard to do your job, you may have to work reduced hours — or not at all — if your chronic injury causes long-term disabilities. If your workplace injury has become disabling and you cannot continue doing the tasks your job requires, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits..

Determining if your chronic injuries are serious enough for workers’ compensation in New Mexico can be confusing without the help of a qualified workers’ comp attorney. At Pizzonia Law, LLC, we have been helping workers with chronic workplace injuries get the maximum compensation for nearly 10 years. Call us in Albuquerque at 505-445-2109 for a free consultation to talk about your options.

Chronic Injuries Can Become More Painful Over Time

If your doctor tells you that your chronic injury is due to conditions related to the tasks you perform at your job or exposure to the conditions within your work environment, let your employer know right away.

Before your conditions worsen over time, your employer should let you know whether they will select an authorized health care provider, or if they will let you choose your own for the treatment you need. The health care provider should bill your employer’s insurer, not your health insurance plan for services provided to you.

Your ability to perform your work tasks properly can affect you emotionally as well. Be sure to report all of your stress, including depression and anxiety, you have due to your chronic injury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Workplace Injuries In New Mexico

Workers in Albuquerque and across New Mexico often have questions about how repetitive strain injuries and chronic pain affect their right to workers’ compensation benefits. Below are answers to some of the questions we frequently hear from injured workers navigating these claims.

Will workers’ comp cover my chronic pain if I already have a preexisting condition?

Yes, workers’ compensation in New Mexico may still cover your condition if your job aggravated or worsened a preexisting issue. The focus is not on whether the condition existed before but on whether your work duties made it significantly worse or contributed to your current disability. For example, repetitive physical tasks or long-term strain may accelerate symptoms or reduce your ability to function. Medical documentation is critical to show this connection. Reporting your condition early and following treatment recommendations can help demonstrate how your job contributed to your current limitations and strengthen your claim.

Who chooses my doctor for a chronic workplace injury?

In New Mexico, the choice of doctor depends on how your employer has structured its workers’ compensation coverage. Some employers select the initial treating provider, while others allow the injured worker to make that choice. This decision can affect how your care is managed and how your injury is documented. After a set period, often 60 days, you may have the right to switch providers if you are not satisfied with your care or need a different type of treatment. It is important to follow the correct process when changing doctors, as unauthorized treatment may not be covered by the employer’s insurance. Understanding your rights early can help you avoid delays or disputes regarding your medical care.

Can I get long-term benefits if my chronic pain prevents me from returning to my career?

Yes, you may be eligible for long-term workers’ compensation benefits if your chronic injury prevents you from returning to your previous position or limits your ability to work at all. These benefits may include ongoing wage replacement, continued medical treatment and, in some cases, vocational rehabilitation to help you transition into a different type of work. The determination depends on medical evaluations, functional capacity assessments and whether your condition is considered temporary or permanent under New Mexico law. Chronic conditions that do not improve over time may qualify for extended or permanent disability benefits.

Get A Seasoned Attorney When You Are Suffering A Chronic Workplace Injury

When your workplace conditions have caused chronic pain and injury, get the knowledgeable help you need. Contact Pizzonia Law, LLC, to speak with a compassionate and experienced lawyer who knows the workers’ compensation system thoroughly. You may email us or call us at 505-445-2109 for a free consultation.