Taos Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Taos Catastrophic Injury Attorney

A life-changing injury can have a devastating impact on victims and their loved ones. Serious injuries can result in lifetime medical expenses while causing constant physical discomfort and emotional hardship. When this happens, victims may be entitled to compensation. A Taos catastrophic injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is an injury with life-altering and permanent consequences. Unlike a minor or moderate injury, a catastrophic injury causes permanent effects that restrict an individual’s daily activities, ability to earn income, and overall quality of life after an accident.

The severe consequences of catastrophic injuries require long-term treatment and care, impacting both the injured person and their entire family. Examples of catastrophic injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Permanent disability
• Disfigurement
• Impairment, especially cognitively or neurologically
• Limb loss
• Loss of organ function
• The victim is unable to resume employment

Because of how serious these injuries are, they result in complex legal issues. This calls for the help of a Taos catastrophic injury attorney who is knowledgeable in catastrophic injury laws.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can occur in all types of situations, including car accidents, defective products, and slips and falls. However, it is not the situation itself that makes the injury catastrophic. Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries are:

• Spinal cord injury. This can lead to partial or total paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). This often results from a serious blow to the head and can cause memory loss or loss of cognitive function.
• Loss of limbs. In serious cases, a limb may be severed during an accident. In some cases, a limb may require amputation.
• Severe burns. When someone suffers third-degree burns, it often creates permanent damage and requires long-term care.

These injuries not only cause physical damage, but they also create financial strain and emotional hardship not only on the victim, but also on their families.

Understanding Catastrophic Injury Laws

When filing a catastrophic injury claim, you should be aware of the laws that guide how and when to file. Under New Mexico law, a person generally has only a short period of time to file a claim for personal injury, including for catastrophic injuries. If you miss this deadline, it is likely that your claim is dismissed, no matter how strong your evidence is.

There are longer deadlines for a minor child’s catastrophic injuries and shorter timelines for claims against a government entity for catastrophic injuries. A catastrophic injury lawyer can help you understand whether you still have time to file a claim for your injuries.

Additionally, New Mexico operates on pure comparative negligence, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your settlement amount typically is reduced by the percentage of fault you have.

Catastrophic Injury Statistics

Catastrophic injury often has serious life-altering consequences for not just the victim but also their families. A close examination of real-world consequences after an injury incident shows why victims and families need legal representation, together with persistent support resources. Consider the following statistics:

• More than 223,000 hospitalizations occur every year due to TBI-related injuries.
• More than 6,000 of these are children.
• On average, about 120 catastrophic injuries occur each year among young people, including those in middle school, high school, and college, mainly for sports or exercise-related injuries.

The CDC also points out that vulnerable communities are more susceptible to these types of injuries, particularly TBIs, including those who are homeless, experiencing intimate partner violence, and even those who live in rural areas.

Why Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

If you choose to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer, it means that you are doing everything in your power to protect your future and hold the negligent party responsible. Victims of such accidents often don’t know what they are owed. Medical bills are just one piece of the puzzle. A Taos catastrophic injury attorney can help you seek compensation for:

• Ongoing treatment, including rehab and therapy
• Any home modifications needed
• Lost income
• Decreased earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

About Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC

Our firm, Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, delivers big-firm experience within a streamlined and personalized environment. We are located just a few miles from the Taos County Courthouse, and we have been working hard for many years to earn the trust of this community.

We believe that your voice should be heard and aim to work zealously on your behalf. We know the stakes are high, and we are committed to fighting for your life and future so justice is served.

FAQs

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is a serious injury that can cause a permanent disability or long-term impairment. This type of injury can affect a person’s ability to work or perform normal daily activities. Examples of catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations. These cases can be complex due to the long-term medical treatment, care planning, and legal implications involved.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in New Mexico?

The statute of limitations in New Mexico is generally three years from the date of injury for most personal injury cases. In other words, if you don’t file a claim within that time period, you lose your right to do so. When filing a claim against a government entity, you must submit your notice of claim within 90 days following the incident. For minor children, the statute of limitations may be longer.

What Determines How Severe an Injury Will Be?

The severity of an injury can be determined by several things. The amount of damage that occurs is a key factor. If an injury results in a permanent disability, it is often viewed as more serious. The effects it has on bodily functions and capabilities also weigh heavily into the determination of how serious it is. Injuries to the brain, spine, and internal organs are typically viewed as more serious.

What Makes a Claim Catastrophic?

A claim is catastrophic if it results in long-term or permanent disability. Additionally, if it affects the victim’s life significantly and requires extensive long-term care, this can also signify that the injury is catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries can cause paralysis, brain damage, loss of cognitive function, and emotional damage, especially for serious brain injuries.

Contact Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC

If you have suffered a catastrophic injury at the hands of another person’s intentional or negligent actions, Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC can help you seek the compensation you deserve to move forward. Contact us today to speak with a representative.