How much is a knee injury worth in New Mexico workers' comp?
In New Mexico, a knee injury is worth up to $171,999 for total loss (150 weeks, at the $1,146.66 weekly maximum). With 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, the award is about $30,000. That is the statutory award for the permanent injury; medical care and benefits while you are off work are paid separately.
How a knee injury is paid in New Mexico
The schedule lists 'one leg at or above the knee' at 150 weeks; partial loss of use of the leg is rated against the leg schedule (leg at or near hip 200 weeks).
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,146.66 a week, with a minimum of $36 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
If your doctor rates a partial loss of use, the award is generally that percentage of the scheduled weeks. A 25% rating works out to 37.5 weeks.
What is different in New Mexico
If the worker is back at work earning at least the pre-injury wage, PPD is just the compensation rate times the impairment rating; if not, the rating is increased by modifiers for age, education, skills and physical capacity. Whole-body benefits (TTD plus PPD) are capped at 500 weeks, or 700 weeks when the disability rating is 80% or more.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $8,000 | $12,000 | $16,000 |
| 25% loss of use | $20,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| 50% loss of use | $40,000 | $60,000 | $80,000 |
| 100% loss of use | $80,000 | $120,000 | $160,000 |
Calculate your knee award
Compare only the same benefit component on the same gross basis. If an offer includes medical care, temporary benefits or other rights, do not enter it here. The balance subtracts payments for this same benefit only, not fees or other offsets.
The result is the statutory permanent award only. Medical care, temporary benefits and fees are not included. Use the exact rating from the medical report: a body-part rating and a whole-person rating are not interchangeable.
Knee injuries: confirm whether the rating is for the leg
For a meniscus tear, ligament injury or knee replacement, obtain the final rating report and any restrictions on standing, kneeling and walking. Confirm the body part to which the percentage applies. If the rule uses a leg schedule, the calculation needs the applicable leg loss-of-use rating, not a guessed percentage based on the procedure.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The statutory benefit described here and a settlement value are different figures. Request an itemized proposal identifying the benefits included, amounts already paid, deductions, future medical treatment and rights being resolved. Which benefits can be settled and what approval is required depend on state rules. This page does not calculate future medical costs or predict a negotiated outcome.
New Mexico vs. neighboring states
| State | How a knee injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 150 weeks | $171,999 |
| Arizona | 50 months (as the leg) | $168,603 |
| Colorado | 208 weeks (as the leg) | — |
| Oklahoma | 275 weeks | $103,125 |
| Texas | 3 weeks per whole-person point | — |
| Utah | 112 weeks | $102,704 |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in New Mexico
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,146.66 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $36 |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 28 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 700 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Assumes temporary total disability and no post-injury work earnings. It does not calculate partial disability, retroactive payments, offsets or special low-wage rules. Confirm the injury date and the insurer's wage calculation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a knee injury worth in New Mexico workers' comp?
New Mexico sets 150 weeks for total loss, up to $171,999 at the top weekly rate. A partial loss is paid in proportion to your doctor's rating: with 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $30,000.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a knee injury in New Mexico?
New Mexico does not publish an official average settlement. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: with 25% loss of use and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $30,000. A settlement can be higher or lower depending on future medical care, disputed ratings and which other benefits it closes.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in New Mexico in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,146.66 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 28 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
NMSA 1978 §52-1-41 (total disability), §52-1-42 (partial disability), §52-1-43 (scheduled injuries); NMSA 1978 §52-1-42 (partial disability, 500/700 weeks); §52-1-43 (scheduled injuries). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in New Mexico
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: NMSA 1978 §52-1-41 (total disability), §52-1-42 (partial disability), §52-1-43 (scheduled injuries); NMSA 1978 §52-1-42 (partial disability, 500/700 weeks); §52-1-43 (scheduled injuries); §§52-1-26 to 52-1-26.4 (disability determination and modifiers)
- New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration (official site)
- workerscomp.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/awwtable.pdf
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
- law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2021/chapter-52/article-1/section-52-1-41/
- law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2011/chapter52/article1/section52-1-43/
- law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2021/chapter-52/article-1/section-52-1-42/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the New Mexico workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.