Baca v. Complete Drywall Company

1 In this appeal we address an issue of first impression: how long a worker can receive compensation benefits when one on-the-job injury gives rise to both (1) a disability resulting from an injury to a scheduled member pursuant to NMSA 1978, 52-1-43 (1987), and (2) benefits paid for a permanent partial disability caused by an injury to a part of the body not covered by Section 52-1-43, see NMSA 1978, 52-1-42 (1990). It is undisputed that all the disabilities are causally connected to the original on-the-job accidental injury. We hold that the number of weeks Worker received benefits for the disabilities caused by the scheduled injuries cannot be deducted from the number of weeks he is entitled to receive benefits for his permanent partial disability. Accordingly, we reverse.