Personal injury laws in New Mexico are designed to provide legal remedies to individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others.
If you’ve recently been injured, you need someone fighting on your side to ensure you receive compensation. A New Mexico personal injury lawyer will be able to tell you the best way to move forward in your specific case. That being said, here are some key aspects of personal injury laws in the state of New Mexico:
Statute of Limitations: In New Mexico, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there can be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances, so it’s important to consult with an attorney to determine the applicable statute of limitations in your case.
Comparative Negligence: New Mexico follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if you are partially responsible for your injuries, your compensation may be reduced proportionately. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident, your damages award would be reduced by 20%.
Dog Bite Law: New Mexico follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning that dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of their dog’s aggressiveness. However, the injured party must have been lawfully on the property where the bite occurred.
Premises Liability: Property owners in New Mexico have a duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition for visitors. If someone is injured due to a hazardous condition on the property, such as a slip and fall accident, the property owner may be held liable for damages.
Damage Caps: New Mexico has limitations on the amount of non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) that can be awarded in medical malpractice cases. For this reason, you’ll want to work with a lawyer to prove as much of your damages as possible are backed by physical evidence, like medical bills and lost wages.
Dram Shop Laws: New Mexico has laws that can hold establishments, such as bars and restaurants, liable for injuries caused by serving alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated or underage. If you were hit by a drunk driver, the bar who over-served them and let them drive home may be just as legally responsible as the person behind the wheel.
Please note that personal injury laws can be complex, and the specific details of your case may vary. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in New Mexico to understand your rights and the legal options available to you if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. 1-800-Injured is a medical and legal referral network who can help you find one. We are a referral network for personal injury victims and will connect you with experienced professionals who can help you with your unique personal injury needs.