Were you recently injured in Albuquerque due to someone else’s negligence? Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost income. If someone else’s careless actions have caused you harm, you need experienced legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Parnall Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque, NM have been championing the rights of injury victims and their families throughout Central New Mexico since 1997. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing winning legal strategies with a client-first approach, backed by our 100% client service satisfaction guarantee. For years, we’ve been a trusted legal resource for the Albuquerque community, helping countless individuals like you seek justice and recover their losses.
When negligence causes you physical and financial suffering, you have the legal right to hold the responsible parties accountable. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, NM will be your advocate, fighting to recover every dollar you need and deserve to rebuild your life. Parnall Law has a proven track record, securing over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We offer a free consultation to explore your legal options and start you on the path to recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Get Your Free Consultation Call Us (505) 268-6500
Types of Personal Injury Cases Our Albuquerque Lawyers Handle
Parnall Law has a strong history of successfully representing clients in a wide spectrum of personal injury cases in Albuquerque. Our experienced legal team has in-depth knowledge and a proven track record in handling cases arising from various forms of negligence, including:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Injuries sustained on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions.
- Medical Malpractice: Harm caused by negligent or substandard medical treatment.
- Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse: Protecting vulnerable adults from mistreatment in care facilities.
- Criminal Acts: Seeking compensation for injuries resulting from violent crimes.
- Bar Fights: Injuries incurred in altercations at bars or nightclubs due to inadequate security or over-service of alcohol.
- Wrongful Death: Representing families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Serious, life-altering injuries with long-term consequences.
Accidents can lead to severe injuries that demand extensive medical care, often spanning weeks, months, or even years. Victims may face prolonged periods of being unable to work, and in the most tragic cases, injuries can result in permanent disability and unemployment.
Common Injuries Resulting from Accidents in Albuquerque
The types of injuries suffered in accidents can be diverse and have varying degrees of severity. Our Albuquerque personal injury lawyers have experience representing clients with a wide range of injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Damage to the brain caused by trauma, ranging from concussions to severe cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can lead to loss of mobility and sensation.
- Paralysis: Total or partial loss of muscle function, including paraplegia (lower body) and quadriplegia (both arms and legs).
- Neck and Back Injuries: Sprains, strains, herniated discs, and fractures affecting the neck and back.
- Lacerations and Internal Organ Injuries: Cuts, tears, and damage to internal organs requiring medical intervention.
Alt text: A concerned woman injured in an accident awaits medical examination on a clinic table, highlighting the worry and uncertainty injury victims face.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Cracks or breaks in bones, requiring casting, surgery, or rehabilitation.
- Sprains and Muscle Strains: Injuries to ligaments and muscles caused by overstretching or tearing.
- Joint Damage: Injuries affecting joints like knees, ankles, shoulders, wrists, and hips, potentially leading to arthritis or chronic pain.
- Torn Ligaments and Tendons: Ruptures or tears in the connective tissues surrounding joints.
- Burns: Tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation, ranging from minor to life-threatening.
- Facial Disfigurement: Injuries to the face that result in scarring, deformity, or loss of function, often requiring reconstructive surgery.
Every injury victim’s recovery journey is unique. Parnall Law is dedicated to ensuring you receive the comprehensive medical care and support necessary for your individual path to healing and regaining your quality of life.
The Prevalence of Personal Injuries in New Mexico
It’s crucial to understand that serious injuries are unfortunately more common than many realize. The New Mexico Department of Health reports that injuries are the leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 1 and 44 in New Mexico.
Statistics reveal a sobering picture: daily in New Mexico, an average of five people lose their lives, 40 are hospitalized, over 700 seek treatment in emergency rooms, and more than 2,000 visit healthcare facilities for injury-related care. While often termed “accidents,” many of these catastrophic injuries are far from accidental. Negligence plays a significant role, and lives are frequently irrevocably changed due to the careless or reckless actions of others.
Understanding the New Mexico Statute of Limitations
In New Mexico, there is a legal time limit for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for your injuries. However, it is never advisable to wait until the last minute to seek legal help.
E-Books and Resources
Why & How to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Download Now
Delaying legal action can jeopardize your case. Evidence can become stale, witnesses’ memories fade, and the opportunity to build a strong claim can diminish over time. Contacting a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, NM promptly after your accident is crucial to protect your rights and ensure timely investigation and claim filing.
Establishing Liability in Albuquerque Personal Injury Claims
While some injuries are indeed the result of individual missteps or inattention, a significant number of accidents are directly caused by the wrongful actions of another party. Determining the specific cause of an accident is paramount in a personal injury claim.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Negligence can stem from another driver’s actions (e.g., distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding) or from a vehicle defect.
- Premises Liability Cases: Slip and fall accidents and other incidents on properties often arise from a property owner’s negligence in maintaining safe conditions.
- Medical Malpractice: These cases involve failures by healthcare providers to uphold the accepted standard of care, leading to patient harm.
It is almost certain that the insurance company representing the at-fault party will prioritize minimizing their financial responsibility. They may attempt to deny liability altogether or drastically reduce the compensation offered.
Injury victims often worry that their own actions might negatively affect their ability to recover compensation. It’s important to understand how New Mexico’s comparative fault law works in such situations.
New Mexico’s Pure Comparative Fault Law Explained
New Mexico operates under a “pure comparative fault” system. This law allows you to pursue legal action against a negligent party even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your ultimate financial recovery will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault.
For instance, if a jury awards you $100,000 in damages but determines you were 45% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by $45,000, resulting in a net recovery of $55,000.
To navigate comparative fault and build a strong case, it is vital to engage a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, NM immediately after an accident. An attorney will conduct an independent investigation to establish the true cause of the accident and gather crucial evidence to demonstrate the other party’s fault, while minimizing any assigned fault to you.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Injury
Following a serious injury accident, the insurance company for the at-fault party may contact you quickly. It is imperative to exercise caution and protect your interests during these initial interactions.
- Politely Decline to Speak: Until you have secured legal representation, politely avoid giving statements to the insurance adjuster.
- Insurance Companies Seek to Minimize Payouts: Insurers are businesses focused on their bottom line. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, or even deny your claim outright, to protect their profits.
- Tactics Used by Insurers: Adjusters may employ tactics such as asking leading questions in recorded conversations, hoping you will inadvertently say something that can be twisted to suggest you were at fault. They may also offer a quick, lowball settlement in an attempt to resolve your claim cheaply and rapidly.
- Initial Offers Are Often Insufficient: Be aware that the first settlement offer you receive is almost certainly far below the actual value of your claim and the compensation you are entitled to.
Alt text: An insurance adjuster and a client in a business meeting reviewing paperwork related to a car accident settlement, depicting the negotiation process victims face.
Pursuing Your Personal Injury Claim in Albuquerque with Legal Representation
When you are represented by a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, NM, they will act as your shield and advocate in all dealings with the insurance company. This eliminates the risk of inadvertently making statements that could harm your claim. Your attorney will also diligently negotiate for a just and comprehensive settlement that accurately reflects the full extent of your losses.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit and litigate your case in court. To prevail in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries. If successful, you may be awarded compensatory damages, which are designed to make you whole again and cover both your financial and non-financial losses.
Compensatory damages typically include:
-
Economic Damages: These are tangible financial losses with clear monetary values, such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Non-medical expenses related to your injury
- Lost earnings and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
-
Noneconomic Damages: These damages are more subjective and address intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (in some cases)
In rare circumstances, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant for egregious misconduct, such as acts that were malicious, willful, reckless, wanton, or fraudulent.
Meet Bertrand Russell Parnall: Your Albuquerque Personal Injury Attorney
Bertrand Russell Parnall is a lifelong Albuquerque resident, deeply rooted in the community. He is a graduate of Albuquerque High School, Rice University, and the University of New Mexico School of Law. Mr. Parnall has dedicated his legal career to serving the people of Albuquerque and New Mexico.
Years of Experience: Over 27 years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
Client Testimonials: What People Say About Parnall Law
We are proud of the positive feedback we consistently receive from our clients. Their experiences highlight our commitment to client care, communication, and successful outcomes.
Angela Silva
January 2025
I had never had to file a lawsuit in my life and was very intimidated by the process. Una Campbell and staff like Maura were incredibly supportive and always clearly explained each step. They showed genuine care and checked in on me even when there were no case updates. During a family emergency, Una went above and beyond to ensure she attended a crucial meeting, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her clients. I am deeply grateful for their hard work and support.
View More Reviews on Google Maps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims
If you have been seriously injured in an accident, consulting with an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer is essential to understand your legal rights and options. Here are some common questions injury victims often have:
Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?
After an accident, you will likely need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may deny your claim or offer a settlement that is far less than what your claim is truly worth. A lawyer will protect your rights, gather evidence to strengthen your claim, and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. If necessary, an experienced attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial to fight for a fair verdict.
What can a lawyer do to help my claim?
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, NM brings valuable expertise to the claims process. They understand the tactics insurance companies use and know how to counter them. Based on their experience with similar cases, they can assess the fair value of your claim and advise you on whether a settlement offer is reasonable. Having legal representation levels the playing field and demonstrates to the insurance company that you are serious about pursuing fair compensation. Insurers are more likely to offer a higher settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of litigation when you have a lawyer advocating for you.
How do I choose the right personal injury lawyer?
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with substantial experience handling personal injury cases similar to yours and a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements.
- Specialization: Inquire about the percentage of their practice dedicated to personal injury law. You want a lawyer who is focused and knowledgeable in this specific area.
- Local Court Knowledge: Choose a lawyer who is familiar with the Albuquerque court system and has the resources to effectively pursue your case.
- Communication and Comfort: Select a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable communicating and who listens to your concerns and answers your questions clearly.
- References: Ask for references from past clients or check online reviews to gauge client satisfaction.
- Avoid Guarantees: Be wary of any attorney who promises or guarantees a specific outcome, as ethical lawyers cannot make such guarantees.
Parnall Law offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. This consultation allows you to understand your legal options and decide if our firm is the right fit for you.
When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?
The most common reason to hire a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, NM is after a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence that results in serious injuries. However, there are many other situations where legal representation is crucial, including injuries caused by unsafe property conditions, nursing home abuse or neglect, and other forms of negligence.
In any situation where you believe your injuries were caused by someone else’s fault, seeking guidance from a personal injury attorney is a wise step. A lawyer can investigate the circumstances, determine liability, and help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Bert Parnall and the team at Parnall Law are ready to answer your questions and discuss your legal needs in a free and confidential consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque, NM are committed to helping accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve and move forward with their lives. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Get Your Free Consultation Call Us (505) 268-6500
