WCA Proposes Changes to Attorney Fee, Case Management Rules

The New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration is proposing rules that would require attorneys to analyze a dozen different issues when seeking fees in excess of the statutory cap. The WCA is also proposing to eliminate a requirement that injured workers and their attorneys be allowed to participate in contacts with its case management contractor. Attorney fees are generally capped by statute at $22,500. Attorneys requesting larger awards would be required to discuss "the chilling effect of miserly fees upon the ability of an injured worker to obtain adequate representation,&qu...