You should only settle for an amount that compensates you fairly under New Mexico law. This number is hard to determine since every injury and degree of fault is unique to the accident’s circumstances.
This outcome is determined by asking: How did it happen? Where did it happen? Who caused the injury? Did you receive immediate medical treatment? Have you followed the recommended medical care? Are you healing? Have you healed? These are only a few factors that will help determine what your claim is worth.
Always get legal advice from a New Mexico personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement offer after negligently caused injuries.
In This Article
The Northern & Central New Mexico personal injury lawyer at Grano Law Offices, P.C. addresses the types of compensation available for negligently broken arm injuries, how they are evaluated medically, medical issues that could affect your settlement, tactics for negotiating a settlement, deadlines that impact your outcome, and where you can turn for legal help if someone’s negligence caused your broken arm. Our firm wrote this post for injury victims who need general legal information after an accident.
New Mexico Compensation for Negligently Broken Arms
Your case’s value is determined by injuries, time off at work, and future prognosis. The severity of your broken arm injury will significantly impact the recoverable damages you can claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Considerations taken into account include:
- Current medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Prescription drug costs
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Other relevant losses
If your injuries are severe, you may be left with a permanent disability, increasing your possible compensation due to future medical care requirements, lost earning capability, and other intangible losses. Ensure you discuss settlements related to negligently broken arms or fractures with an attorney before accepting one since doing so will preclude you from claiming future damages.
Related Article: How to Prove Pain and Suffering After an Accident in New Mexico
The Medical Evaluation and Treatment of a Fractured Arm
Immediately consult a physician if someone else negligently broke your arm. Not going to the hospital as soon as possible could negatively impact your insurance claim. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), complete recovery may need weeks or months, indicating how severe bone fractures are.
Although the pain typically subsides after a short period, the bone will not be strong enough to withstand impact until you fully recover.
You will likely have a cast, brace, or splint for at least six weeks. After this period, you may still need to limit your activity until your doctor gives you the all-clear. During this time, you may experience a loss of wrist, elbow, or other arm strength and range of motion.
Physical treatment may be required to rebuild your strength and endurance. Complete recovery and restoration could take six months or longer. This level of care can result in astronomical medical expenses and significant time missed at work; ensure you work with legal representation to avoid missing any damages owed to you by opposing parties.
Related Article: Calculating Future Medical Expenses After a Personal Injury
Medical Issues Can Also Affect Your Settlement
The term “broken arm” can refer to various arm injuries, many of which involve fractured bones. Among the factors that can affect the amount of your settlement for a broken arm are the following:
- Fracture severity
- Number of breaks
- Position of the break
- Medical expenses
- Future prognosis
- Complicating factors
- Amputation
- Past injuries
These are some examples of variables that could affect the amount of compensation you seek for a broken arm. Your specific circumstances will determine which of these considerations apply. However, the most direct way to get an answer about a sporadic arm injury settlement is best obtained by speaking with an injury lawyer in NM first.
Related Article: How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement?
Tactics for Proving Negligent Broken Arm Damages
Before negotiating a fair settlement, you must assess how much you are owed by negligent parties. If you hire a personal injury attorney, this phase is handled for you by our office, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery and health.
Some of the tactics carried out by your legal counsel may include:
- Prove the settlement amount you are claiming
- Assessing the value of future health costs
- Documenting subjective losses, such as pain and suffering
- Considering the implications of contributory negligence
A personal injury law firm will assist you in obtaining a reasonable settlement or civil court award if negligence plays a role. We will handle all aspects of your claim, including a thorough investigation. Our work is performed on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay anything in advance to retain our services.
Related Article: What to Know About Accepting a Personal Injury Settlement
You Could Lose Broken Arm Compensation in New Mexico Over Deadlines
Most personal injury cases never see a day in the courtroom, but filing a lawsuit may be necessary in your case. If you need to suit the at-fault party, you must comply with New Mexico’s statute of limitations:
Our state generally allows up to three years from the date of your broken arm injury to file a claim against the at-fault party per NMSA § 37-1-8.
Some exceptions reduce or extend this time. Your injury attorney will ensure your case meets all applicable deadlines so that you do not lose your compensation rights over a legal technicality or administrative rule.
Related Article: What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in New Mexico?
Grano Law Offices, P.C. Represents Injury Victims in Central & Northern New Mexico
At Grano Law Offices, P.C., our legal team understands that bad things happen to good people. If you suffer from a broken arm injury caused by another party, call our personal injury attorney for a Free Case Evaluation at (505) 426-8711 or by messaging us online via the contact form below. We do not get paid until you win your case if you decide to hire us.