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Experiencing a slip and fall is a serious incident that can have physical, emotional, and financial effects on your future. Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident in New Mexico can help you get the recovery you need, both physically and financially, from any liable parties.
New Mexico’s distinct weather patterns, such as abrupt climate shifts and icy conditions in the winter, play a significant role in the frequency of slip and fall accidents. The state’s aging population, especially in rural areas, also contributes to a higher risk of these accidents due to decreased mobility and accessibility to healthcare and emergency services.
Slip and fall accidents can be overwhelming, but at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, we understand. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is committed to helping New Mexico victims obtain the compensation they deserve. We treat every case with compassion and strong determination to defend what is most beneficial for our clients.
Premises liability law covers slip and fall accidents in New Mexico. A slip and fall accident is considered a type of personal injury, and the property owner has a duty of care to ensure that people on their property are not in danger.
In order to bring a premises liability case, you have to establish that the property owner failed to exercise reasonable care to keep the premises in a safe condition, had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition (meaning the owner knew or should have known of the danger), and that the dangerous condition was the cause of your injury.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Mexico, including slip and fall accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. However, if you are filing a claim against a government entity, you have two years to file a claim and 90 days after the injury to provide notice of the claim. As a result, it is important to hire a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
One study shows that falling is a leading cause of injury for older residents of New Mexico. Over 17% of New Mexicans are 65 years of age or older. In terms of the proportion of its population that is 65 years of age or older, New Mexico is expected to rank fourth in the country by 2030. With this in mind, it’s important to know the steps to take after a slip and fall in New Mexico.
Your health and well-being are the most important things to consider. If you have been hurt, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries can have serious symptoms that are not immediately obvious, such as concussions or internal bleeding. It is also a good idea to document any injuries with a doctor as soon as possible in case you choose to file a claim in the future.
Notify the owner, manager, or supervisor of the property of the accident. Ask for an accident report to be filled out and request a copy. In New Mexico, the time of day and weather can make a big difference in liability.
If you are able, you should take some additional steps to build your case. Document the conditions that led to your fall. You should keep track of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and any other expenses that you have related to your fall. You will need this information when it comes to determining damages for your case. Be sure to also keep track of any time off from work and how it affects your wages.
Navigating the complicated issues of a slip and fall claim can be difficult. You can obtain professional advice, receive assistance in obtaining the required documentation, and avoid dealing with insurance companies by working with a slip and fall attorney. Their knowledge of slip and fall cases can greatly improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
It can be difficult to determine an average payout for a slip and fall because each case will be unique, depending on the circumstances of the case. If a slip and fall was caused by severe negligence and resulted in serious or permanent injury, this can result in a large payout. However, cases that involve minor injuries may have smaller payouts. Consult your attorney so you can know what to expect with your unique case.
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents, is generally three years from the date of the incident. There are shorter time limits for filing claims against government entities, which require notice within 90 days and claims within two years. Filing within the statute of limitations is crucial, as your case will be dismissed if the deadline is missed.
After a slip and fall, you will want to go to the doctor right away. Even if you do not experience immediate symptoms, some injuries may take time to show signs, such as internal bleeding. Additionally, waiting to seek medical attention may appear as if your injuries are not as serious as they are, and can negatively affect your ability to file a claim.
The kinds of injuries that can occur from a slip and fall accident can range in severity. Injuries as serious as traumatic brain injuries can result from a fall. Spinal injuries can also occur, which require a lengthy recovery period or even result in a permanent disability. Other broken bones and hip injuries are all typical injuries clients seek compensation for following a slip and fall accident.
If you suffered a slip and fall injury due to another party’s negligence, Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC can help you seek compensation. Contact us today for a consultation.
With our main office in Santa Fe and dedicated staff across New Mexico—including Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Taos—we’re ready to support your case wherever you are.
123 W. San Francisco St. Floor 2
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2111
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