The types of cases personal injury lawyers handle fall into a few different categories, including general personal injury, wrongful death, torts, and premises liability. If someone else negligently injures you or causes your loved one a fatality, the laws that apply to your case will vary according to the type of case you are filing.
Negligence is the crux of every claim, and proving it can become a challenge, which means that you should seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer in New Mexico. We will help you evaluate the particulars of your case as well as discuss the options you have available when pursuing compensation for your accident injuries or family member’s death.
In This Post
In this post, I reveal the types of cases that a personal injury lawyer, like myself, takes. Also, I will help you understand the matters that a personal injury lawyer will not accept.
Types of Cases Personal Injury Lawyers Take
It is essential to recognize that personal injury lawyers and law firms in New Mexico focus on different matters. If you are thinking about getting help from an attorney, ensure that the individual has proven results and demonstrated experience for the specific type of case you are filing.
The types of cases personal injury lawyers may take include:
- General personal injury: General personal injury is an area of law that addresses most matters related to negligent injuries, like a “catch-all.” Examples of general personal injury matters may include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bus accidents.
- Wrongful death: Wrongful death cases result from someone’s negligent actions causing another person’s death. Any general personal injury claim that involves a fatality is subject to the rules of the New Mexico Wrongful Death Act per NMSA § 41-2-1, including a three (3) year deadline, or statute of limitations, from the date of your family member’s death.
- Premises liability: Matters involving premises liability are those resulting from injuries caused on another person’s property due to negligent or unsafe conditions. Examples of premises liability cases include slip, trip, & falls, amusement park accidents, pool accidents, and more. Under NMSA § 37-1-4, you have up to four (4) years from the date of your injury to file a premises liability claim.
- Tort claims: Tort claims are injury claims against a government entity. For instance, if you were injured while riding a city bus, you may have an actionable tort claim against the municipality. You have up to two (2) years from the date of your injury or loved one’s death to file a tort claim under NMSA § 41-4-15.
Types of Cases Personal Injury Lawyers Will Not Take
There are cases that an attorney will not take, especially if you do not stand to receive more compensation for your injuries and financial losses. The bottom line is that we have good and ethical reasons when we make the tough decision not to represent a case.
A few reasons why a New Mexico personal injury lawyer will not take your case may include:
- Someone else’s negligence did not cause your accident injuries
- You have compromised the integrity of your case through personal action
- The cost of pursuing your case will outweigh the benefit
- You did not seek medical attention
- Your case has passed New Mexico’s statute of limitations
Simply put: you pay us nothing upfront, and we take on the cost-burden of legal fees, time, and resources. Therefore, we will not take on a case that does not get you more money than your initial offer and does not recuperate the costs of negotiation or litigation.
Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer to Play It Safe
Keep in mind that it never hurts to ask an attorney if you have an actionable claim. As such, you are never left wondering, “What if…?” in the future. Plus, speaking with a lawyer early on also helps you avoid making mistakes that can jeopardize your case.
Contact Grano Law Offices, P.C. About Your Case
Instead of leaving your case to the promises of an insurance company, contact my office for a Free Consultation by messaging me here or calling (505) 426-8711 now. It is an opportunity to discuss your case with a law firm for more information at no cost to yourself.
I return all calls within twenty-four (24) business hours and can meet by secure video chat, phone, text, or email if you are unable to travel to my Las Vegas, New Mexico office.
