NM personal injury claims are among the most common types of lawsuits filed in the state. From slip-and-fall accidents to on-the-job injuries, New Mexicans are among the more than 400,000 personal injury claims filed in the U.S. each year.

Accidents happen when least expected. You can end up the victim of physical injuries and emotional distress that lead to mounting expenses.

In New Mexico, you have a right to fair compensation if someone else’s carelessness or deliberate misconduct caused your injuries.

Working with an attorney experienced in NM personal injury claims is the most effective way to protect your rights.

Several kinds of injuries fall under the umbrella of personal injury in the state. Following are the five most common types of personal injury claims filed by New Mexico personal injury attorneys.

1 – Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of NM personal injury claims. New Mexico consistently ranks at the top of lists of the worst drivers in the U.S.  

Swerving in and out of lanes without signaling. Barreling down I-25 at 20-plus miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Tailgating other vehicles and failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

We’ve all seen drivers engaging in these and other bad driving behaviors on New Mexico roadways.

When motorists drive with this kind of disregard for others, they can cause severe injuries to other drivers, their passengers, bikers, and pedestrians.

If you’ve been temporarily or permanently disabled due to someone else’s recklessness behind the wheel, contact a personal injury attorney to schedule a free case evaluation. They ensure your rights are protected and help you navigate the complex personal injury claims process to achieve the best possible outcome.

2 – Slip and Fall Accidents

Right behind motor vehicle accidents as the most common NM personal injury claims are slips and falls. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises, which includes sidewalks, stairways, and other surfaces.

Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and broken railings all are maintenance issues that can cause a serious injury.

Most slip-and-fall victims end up settling out of court. Working with a personal injury attorney is the most effective way to get a fair settlement.

Never try to negotiate with property owners, their legal counsel, or insurance companies for compensation of your injuries without first consulting an attorney. They have their client’s best interests in mind, not yours.

3 – Medical Malpractice

Misdiagnoses. Medication mistakes. Surgical errors.

No one likes to think about these things happening to them when they receive treatment from a healthcare professional. Sadly, medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the U.S., according to data from the National Institutes of Health.

Medical malpractice cases are tricky. They require a personal injury attorney who can carefully examine medical records, solicit expert testimony, and who has a thorough understanding of the applicable laws and regulations for these types of NM personal injury claims.

4 – Product Liability

Defective and dangerous products can cause you significant harm. Whether it’s a manufacturing defect or an engineering design flaw, when products don’t work as intended, consumers end up with serious – and life-threatening – injuries.

Under New Mexico’s negligence law, manufacturers and distributors of products have a duty of care in producing products. They are held accountable by the courts when they fail in this responsibility and consumers end up with debilitating injuries.

One of the most recent examples of a product liability case filed in New Mexico is Gurule et al v. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. et al. The product liability suit alleges that roof and seat belt defects in an Infiniti QX4 contributed to the death of a motorist.

Product liability cases are complex and require the expertise of a NM personal injury attorney experienced in product liability laws and regulations.

5 – Workplace Accidents

New Mexico workers face risks on the job every day. Most accidents and injuries fall under the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation rules and statutes. Applying for workers’ compensation benefits is appropriate in these instances.

However, workplace accidents that happen from third-party negligence or a non-employer entity’s actions qualify for a personal injury claim in New Mexico.

For instance, if you’re injured by a careless driver while making a delivery for your employer, you have a right to file for workers’ compensation benefits, plus file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

Another example is workplace violence. If you’re assaulted by a coworker, customer, or other third party while on the job, you have a right to sue for compensation from that person directly.

Preserve your rights to fair compensation

Navigating the NM personal injury claims process is daunting without the help of an experienced attorney. The legal team at Cameron & Russell have more than a decade of experience handling these types of cases.

Reach out today to schedule a non-obligation case evaluation to discuss your rights.