New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration at 2410 Centre Ave. SE in Albuquerque. Courtesy/WCA

WCA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration (WCA) will resume holding in-person trials and enforcement hearings June 6, in Albuquerque and all its six field offices. 

When the COVID-19 Global pandemic began in New Mexico in March 2020, the WCA swiftly adjusted all agency operations to be conducted virtually, never skipping a beat or falling behind.

Mediations, hearings and trials continued with staff working remotely in an effort to fulfill its mission of assuring the quick and efficient delivery of medical and indemnity benefits to injured workers at a reasonable cost to employers. But after more than two years of virtual operations, adjudication staff is excited to welcome parties back to its buildings.

“While we are all so proud of how quickly we were able to adjust our operations so as to not delay services, we are now so excited to see people again, face-to-face, as we continue to serve our workers’ compensation community,” WCA Chief Judge Shanon Riley said. 

“It’s time to return to a sense of normalcy,” added WCA Director Robert E. Doucette, Jr., “and we’re happy to be able to welcome parties back”

The WCA returned most agency staff to its offices July 12, 2021 but continued holding adjudication services remotely to continue to adhere to COVID-safe practices, while transitioning staff to in-office routines.

Mediations will continue to be held virtually for the foreseeable future. 

About WCA

The Workers’ Compensation Administration works to assure the quick and efficient delivery of medical and indemnity benefits to injured workers at a reasonable cost to employers; provides ombudsmen, safety and return-to-work assistance; and has its own administrative court system to resolve disputes.