Are you looking for a workers’ comp lawyer in Hobbs, NM?

At Davie & Valdez, P.C., we provide workers’ compensation representation grounded in over 35 years of work on behalf of clients in Hobbs, NM and the surrounding area.

If you’ve been injured on the job in Hobbs, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you pursue the benefits you’re owed. Medical bills, lost income, and disputes with insurance carriers are difficult to manage on your own, and the wrong step early in the process can cost you benefits down the road.

At Davie & Valdez, P.C., our Hobbs, NM workers’ comp lawyer has advocated for injured employees for more than 35 years across New Mexico and Texas. We offer free consultations and represent workers exclusively. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your claim and learn what options are available to you.

Workers’ Comp Lawyer Hobbs, NM

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical treatment and wage replacement to employees who are injured or become ill because of their work. In New Mexico, most employers are required to carry this coverage. The system operates on a no-fault basis, which means you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent in order to receive benefits. Your employer’s insurance carrier is responsible for covering approved medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages while you recover.

In 2024, New Mexico employers reported 13,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another 38 workers died from job-related injuries statewide in 2023. Hobbs and Lea County, located at the center of the Permian Basin, see a disproportionate share of those injuries given the region’s concentration of oilfield, pipeline, and construction activity.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Cases We Handle in Hobbs

Workers’ compensation claims in southeastern New Mexico cover a wide range of injuries and occupational diseases. The industries that drive the economy in Hobbs and across Lea County also produce some of the most serious workplace hazards in the state. Our workers’ comp attorneys handle claims involving the following:

Oilfield accidents. Drilling rigs, well sites, and refineries throughout Lea County expose workers to blowouts, equipment failures, and hydrogen sulfide exposure. These cases often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors, which creates layered questions about who bears responsibility for the injury.
Construction injuries. Falls from elevation, struck-by incidents, and equipment rollovers are common on commercial and industrial job sites around Hobbs. Workers on multi-employer projects may have third-party claims beyond their workers’ comp benefits.
Burn injuries. Flash fires, chemical burns, and electrical contact injuries occur frequently in industrial and oilfield settings. Treatment often involves surgery, skin grafts, and months of rehabilitation, and workers with severe burns may face permanent limitations.
Falls and scaffolding accidents. Improperly assembled scaffolding, missing guardrails, and unstable platforms cause fractures, spinal cord damage, and brain injuries. Fall protection failures remain among the most cited OSHA violations nationwide.
Repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and chronic back conditions develop in workers who perform repetitive motions or sustained heavy lifting. These are compensable under New Mexico workers’ compensation law even without a single identifiable incident.
Occupational illnesses. Prolonged exposure to silica dust, hydrogen sulfide, asbestos, and other hazardous substances can cause respiratory disease and cancer. Oil and gas workers face significantly elevated risk.
Back and spinal injuries. Herniated discs, compression fractures, and soft tissue damage are among the most common types of work injuries filed in New Mexico. These injuries can limit mobility and often prevent a worker from returning to physically demanding employment.
Head and brain injuries. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries result from falls, struck-by incidents, and equipment malfunctions. Even a seemingly minor blow to the head can produce lasting cognitive effects that take months to fully surface.

Why Choose Davie & Valdez, P.C. as My Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Hobbs, NM?

Decades of Work Injury Experience in New Mexico

Roger Davie, founding attorney of Davie & Valdez, P.C., has practiced employment and work injury law since 1985. He is Board Certified in Employment Law by the State Bar of Texas, holds an AV Preeminent 5.0 rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers for his work in labor and employment law. Both attorneys earned their law degrees from Texas Tech Law School.

John Valdez is Board Certified in Employment and Labor Law in New Mexico and has been named a Texas Super Lawyer multiple years running. He provides bilingual legal services in English and Spanish, which is particularly valuable for the workforce in Hobbs and across southeastern New Mexico.

Together, they have represented hundreds of injured employees in workers’ compensation disputes and employment cases throughout both states. Results for workers’ comp clients have included:

Compensation for medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation after serious workplace injuries
Wage replacement benefits for workers unable to return to their jobs during recovery
Permanent disability awards for employees left with lasting physical impairments
Successful resolution of denied claims where the insurance carrier refused to authorize treatment or pay benefits

Davie & Valdez, P.C. represents employees and injured workers exclusively. That is the only side we take. We offer free consultations for all workers’ compensation matters, and that dedication to the worker’s side of the case is exactly what you want from an employment lawyer in Hobbs, NM.

What Is Important to Understand About Workers’ Compensation Cases?

Benefits and Compensation for Workers’ Comp Cases in New Mexico

New Mexico’s workers’ compensation system provides several categories of benefits to injured employees. The type and amount depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your ability to work.

Medical benefits. All reasonable and necessary treatment related to the work injury is covered, including surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and durable medical equipment.
Temporary total disability. Workers who cannot perform any work while recovering may receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage, subject to state-imposed maximums.
Temporary partial disability. If you return to work at reduced capacity and lower pay, you may receive partial wage replacement during that transitional period.
Permanent partial disability. Once a worker reaches maximum medical improvement with lasting physical limitations, benefits are calculated based on the impairment rating assigned by the treating physician.
Permanent total disability. Catastrophic injuries that prevent any form of gainful employment may qualify for lifetime benefits under the statute.
Death benefits. When a workplace accident results in a fatality, surviving dependents may be entitled to compensation for lost income and funeral expenses.

The employer’s insurance carrier pays these benefits. Workers do not contribute to their employer’s coverage or pay premiums out of their own wages.

What Are Important Aspects of a Workers’ Comp Case?

Several factors influence the trajectory and outcome of a workers’ compensation claim. Getting these details right early on can substantially affect the benefits you receive.

Timely reporting. New Mexico law requires injured workers to provide written notice to their employer within 15 days of the accident. Missing this window can jeopardize your entire claim.
Medical documentation. Your treating physician must connect your injury or condition to your job duties. Gaps in your treatment history or inconsistencies in your medical records give the insurance carrier ammunition to dispute your claim.
Insurer tactics. Carriers may dispute that your injury is work-related, deny recommended procedures, or request independent medical exams designed to minimize your impairment rating. The physician conducting that exam works for the insurer, not for you.
Third-party liability. If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may have a separate legal claim for damages. This arises frequently in Hobbs, where multiple contractors share worksites on rigs and pipelines.

What Is the Workers’ Comp Case Timeline?

The length of a workers’ compensation case depends on the injury, the complexity of the medical treatment, and whether the claim is contested. A general timeline in New Mexico follows this progression:

Day of injury. Report the incident to your supervisor and seek medical treatment immediately. Document exactly what happened, including the conditions and any witnesses.
Within 15 days. Provide your employer with written notice of the accident.
30 to 60 days. The insurance carrier investigates and either begins paying benefits or issues a denial.
If disputed. Mediation through the Workers’ Compensation Administration is typically the first step. If mediation is unsuccessful, a Workers’ Compensation Judge will conduct a formal hearing.
Maximum medical improvement. Once your condition stabilizes, your physician assigns an impairment rating. That rating determines your permanent disability benefits.

Straightforward claims can resolve within a few months. Contested cases involving permanent disability or complex issues like mental health injuries may take a year or longer.

What Should You Bring to Your Workers’ Comp Consultation?

Having the right documents ready allows us to evaluate your case efficiently and provide informed guidance from the start.

Written accident reports or incident documentation filed with your employer
Medical records, treatment notes, and imaging studies related to the injury
Pay stubs or wage records from the period before and after your injury
Any correspondence from the insurance carrier, including denial letters or benefit statements
Contact information for witnesses who saw the accident occur

We will review the details of your injury, explain the benefits available under New Mexico law, and outline the next steps for your claim. If you were recently hurt at work and aren’t sure where to begin, a consultation is the right first move.

Hobbs and Lea County Workers’ Compensation Resources

Workers’ compensation disputes in the Hobbs area are handled by the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration, which conducts mediations and formal hearings for contested claims. The WCA is headquartered in Albuquerque, but hearings are scheduled statewide as needed.

Hobbs falls within the Fifth Judicial District, which covers Lea, Eddy, and Chaves Counties. The Lea County District Court is located at 100 N. Love Street in Lovington, and the Hobbs Magistrate Court sits at 2110 North Alto Drive. Workers in Hobbs can also report unsafe workplace conditions to the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, which administers state OSHA enforcement.

Reach Out to Davie & Valdez, P.C. to Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been injured at work in Hobbs, NM, or anywhere in southeastern New Mexico, our workers’ comp attorneys are ready to review your case. We offer free consultations and represent injured employees exclusively. You will speak with an attorney about your injury, your benefits, and what comes next. Contact us to schedule your consultation. Acting early gives us the best opportunity to protect your claim and pursue the full benefits you’re owed.

Workers’ Compensation Statistics in Hobbs and Lea County

Lea County reports some of the highest workplace injury rates in New Mexico. The oil and gas operations that power the Hobbs economy produce a volume of disabling injuries and fatalities that outpaces most other regions in the state.

In 2024, New Mexico recorded a fatal work injury rate of 3.6 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, exceeding the national rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Transportation incidents accounted for 56 percent of those deaths statewide, and exposure to harmful substances or environments accounted for another 22 percent. Both categories are well represented in Lea County, where oilfield crews handle drilling chemicals and high-pressure equipment daily.

Across private industry statewide, 6,600 of the 13,400 reported nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2024 were serious enough to require days away from work, job transfers, or restrictions. Contact with objects and equipment remains a leading injury event in the extraction sector, the dominant industry in Lea County. Despite oversight through New Mexico’s OSHA-approved state plan, the pace of Permian Basin operations continues to produce injury numbers that rank among the highest in the country. That reality is why injured workers turn to our Hobbs workers’ comp lawyer who can challenge carrier denials and fight for the benefits they are owed.

Mistakes That Can Damage a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Hobbs

Filing a workers’ compensation claim is not automatic, and small missteps early in the process can weaken an otherwise valid case. Insurance carriers in Lea County look for any reason to reduce or deny benefits. Avoiding these mistakes protects your right to full compensation, something our Hobbs workers comp attorney can help you secure.

Waiting Too Long to Report the Injury. New Mexico law requires you to notify your employer of a work injury as soon as possible. A delay of even a few days gives the carrier an opening to argue the injury did not happen at work or is less serious than claimed. Report every injury the same day it occurs, and put the report in writing whenever possible.
Skipping or Delaying Medical Treatment. Gaps in your medical record create doubt about the severity of your condition. See a doctor immediately after a work injury and follow every treatment recommendation your physician gives. Doing so will help our Hobbs workers comp attorney build a case. The carrier’s adjuster will review your records closely, and missed appointments or delayed visits work against you.
Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice. Insurance adjusters often contact injured workers within days of a reported injury and request a recorded statement. These conversations are designed to get you on record with an account the carrier can later use to minimize your claim. You are not required to provide a recorded statement, and speaking with our Hobbs workers comp attorney before agreeing to one can protect the strength of your case.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer. Carriers frequently present early settlement offers before you reach maximum medical improvement. These offers are calculated to close the claim quickly and for less than it may be worth. Once you accept a lump-sum settlement, your right to future benefits ends. Our Hobbs workers comp lawyer can evaluate whether the offer reflects the actual value of your injuries and lost wages.
Posting About Your Injury on Social Media. Photos, check-ins, and status updates can be used against you in a workers’ comp dispute. A picture at a family event or a comment about feeling better can be taken out of context to argue your injury is not as limiting as your medical records show. Avoid posting anything about your health, activities, or routine while your claim is open.
Returning to Work Before Medical Clearance. Pressure from an employer to return before your doctor clears you is common in high-demand industries like oil and gas. Going back too soon can aggravate the injury and give the carrier grounds to argue you no longer need benefits. Follow your treating physician’s restrictions, and do not let your employer override a medical opinion.

Hobbs Workers’ Compensation Attorney FAQs

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in New Mexico?

You generally have one year from the date your employer or insurer refuses to pay benefits. This deadline runs from the point of denial or nonpayment, not from the date of injury itself. Missing the filing window can permanently bar your right to pursue compensation through the Workers’ Compensation Administration.

Can I choose my own doctor for a work injury in Hobbs?

New Mexico gives injured workers the right to select a treating physician, subject to certain rules within the workers’ compensation system. Your doctor’s records, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations carry significant weight in the outcome of your claim. Choosing a physician who understands occupational injuries can make a meaningful difference in both your treatment and your benefits.

What happens if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

A denial is not the end of the process. You have the right to dispute the decision through mediation or a formal hearing before a Workers’ Compensation Judge. Many valid claims are initially denied over reporting disputes or questions about whether the injury is work-related. Our Hobbs workers comp lawyer can prepare the medical evidence and legal arguments needed to overturn the denial.

Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

New Mexico law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who file a comp claim. Retaliation includes termination, demotion, reduction in hours, or reassignment to less favorable duties. If your employer takes adverse action after you file, a separate wrongful termination or retaliation claim may be available alongside your workers’ comp case.

What is maximum medical improvement?

Maximum medical improvement, or MMI, is the point at which your condition has stabilized and further treatment is not expected to produce significant additional recovery. Your physician assigns a permanent impairment rating at MMI, and that rating forms the basis for calculating permanent partial disability benefits. Reaching MMI does not mean you are fully recovered.

Can I receive workers’ compensation and still work?

Yes. If you can perform modified or light-duty work while recovering, you may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits. These payments cover a portion of the gap between your pre-injury wages and your reduced earnings. The availability of light duty does not eliminate your right to benefits if your earning capacity has decreased.

What if a third party caused my work injury in Hobbs?

When someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may have a separate negligence claim against that party. In Lea County, third-party claims arise frequently in pipeline explosions, equipment failures, and multi-contractor job sites. A third-party claim allows recovery of damages not available through workers’ comp, including pain and suffering.

What if my employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance?

Not all New Mexico employers carry coverage. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to file a negligence lawsuit instead of a comp claim. A negligence case allows broader damages, including compensation for pain and suffering, that are not available through the workers’ compensation system.

Important Resources for Hobbs Workers’ Compensation Cases

Most Dangerous Locations for Workers’ Compensation Injuries in Hobbs

Hobbs anchors the New Mexico side of the Permian Basin, and the concentration of energy sector activity in Lea County creates workplace hazards across the region. New Mexico enforces workplace safety through the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau.

Industrial and work site areas:

Permian Basin drilling pads east and south of Hobbs. Active well sites, completion operations, and pump stations generate chemical exposure risks, crush injuries, and hearing loss from sustained equipment noise that account for a large share of workers’ comp claims filed in Lea County.
Midstream facilities along NM 18. Natural gas compression and processing plants operate under high pressure, exposing workers to burn, explosion, and inhalation hazards on every shift.
Pipeline construction corridors across Lea County. Trenching, welding, and heavy equipment operation along active right-of-ways produce struck-by and caught-between injuries for field crews.
Industrial supply yards near Bender Boulevard. Forklift operations and heavy material handling at facilities serving the energy sector contribute to overexertion and struck-by injuries.

Highways and transportation routes:

US 285. Heavy energy sector truck traffic on this corridor contributes to a disproportionate number of vehicle-related work fatalities in the Permian Basin.
US 62/180. The primary east-west route through Hobbs carries commercial and oilfield traffic, increasing collision risk for workers commuting between job sites.
NM 18 (Lovington Highway). Connects Hobbs to Lovington through active drilling territory, with heavy equipment transport on a road not built for current industrial volumes.

What Are Important Local Resources for Hobbs Workers’ Compensation?

The following local agencies and facilities may be relevant to workers dealing with a job-related injury in Hobbs. Listing these resources is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Davie & Valdez, P.C.

Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital: 4900 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240. (575) 492-5000. Emergency and trauma care for work-related injuries.
City of Hobbs Fire Department: (575) 397-9308.
City of Hobbs Police Department: (575) 397-9265. For incident reports related to workplace accidents or work-zone crashes.

About Davie & Valdez, P.C.

Davie & Valdez, P.C. has represented injured workers across New Mexico and Texas for more than three decades. Roger C. Davie was recognized by Distinguished Counsel as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys in 2017. John P. Valdez holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Texas at El Paso, a background that strengthens his ability to evaluate wage calculations and benefit disputes in workers’ compensation cases. Our Hobbs workers’ comp lawyers handle comp claims on behalf of employees and injured workers only.

What Our Clients Say

“I want to thank Davie & Valdez P.C. and Team. First for caring so much on a human level. From the first day I met with John Valdez and his Team they always showed they cared first and were always so genuine and professional. I will always hold you close to my heart and so does my family. Thank you for never letting me give up and for never giving up on my battle through these years.” – Florence Holmes

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Hobbs Workers’ Compensation Cases

Contact Davie & Valdez, P.C.

If your workers’ compensation claim was denied, delayed, or underpaid in Hobbs, NM, Davie & Valdez, P.C. is here to help. We offer free consultations and handle every comp case on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our firm has served injured workers throughout New Mexico for more than three decades. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with our Hobbs workers comp lawyer.

Hobbs Workers Comp Lawyer