New Mexico Impairment Ratings

Serious injuries can occur via accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, government liability, product liability, or most any other form. Getting the highest possible recovery from a New Mexico injury case is the goal of many attorneys. Sometimes the combination of the injury and the policy limits can make it an easier task. However, there are certain situations in which the insurance companies are reluctant to pay full value despite a serious injury. When it becomes necessary to convince an insurance company or potentially a jury of the serious nature of an injury, an injury impairment rating may be useful. An impairment rating quantifies a decrease in body function or ability following an injury. Impairment ratings are determined by a visit with a medical examiner who usually interviews the patient and performs a series of tests. The impairment rating is typically read as a percentage which reflects the extent of the injury. For example, a 50% whole body impairment rating would reflect that the injury victim is suffering a loss of approximately half of his or her previous abilities. One benefit of an impairment rating is that it often provides a clear description of what an injury victim will have to live with for the rest of his or her life. Determining whether to get an impairment rating is important to an injury case and should be discussed carefully with an injury attorney.