Rio Rancho Personal Injury Lawyer

Our goal is to help you recover physically and emotionally from your injuries while also ensuring that you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether you need a top-rated injury lawyer near you or a free personal injury lawyer near you, we’re here to help.

If you’re searching for the best personal injury lawyers near you or the top personal injury lawyer near you, look no further than Ornelas & Serna. Our attorneys specialize in injury law near you, and we’re dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation to our clients.

So if you’re wondering about a top rated personal injury lawyer near you is, or if you’re looking for an injury attorney near you, contact Ornelas & Serna today. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation with the best personal injury attorney near you or a top-rated personal injury lawyer near you.

Types of Cases We Handle

Over the years, we have expanded our scope to meet the diverse needs of our ever-expanding clientele base. Some of the cases we can help you get compensated for include, but are not limited to;

Car Accidents

Suppose you or a loved one were recently involved in a car crash. In that case, we could help you get compensation from the insurance company for any medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage caused by the driver’s negligence.

Truck Accidents

A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of a truck accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Slip and Fall Accidents

We can represent you in court or handle the negotiations with the insurance company if you suffer injuries due to a slip or fall accident on a property. We will help you prove that the accident was caused directly by the property owner’s negligence, such as failure to install warning signs or maintain safe walking surfaces.

Medical Malpractice

We handle cases where a healthcare professional acted negligently or breached their duty of care, resulting in harm or injury to the patient.

Product Liability

We also represent clients who have suffered injuries due to a defective or dangerous product. It can be anything from a defective vehicle part, faulty medical equipment, or dangerous drug.

Dog Bites

If a neighbor’s dog attacks you or a loved one, we can help you get compensated for the lost wages, medical expenses, pain, and suffering due to the bites and scratches.

Workplace Accidents

A workplace accident can occur at any time and without warning. If that happens, you can count on us to file a claim with the insurance company or employer. We won’t rest until you get the compensation you deserve for the lost wages and medical expenses. Note that employers are required to provide safe working conditions for their employees.

Wrongful Death

We have hands-on experience handling cases where another’s negligence caused a person’s death due to medical malpractice or workplace or car accidents.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Injuries sustained from bicycle and pedestrian accidents are compensable. If you are injured while walking or cycling, we can help you secure compensation.

Don’t let the outcomes of the accident jeopardize your life. Call us today for a free case review.

Personal Injury Damages We Will Help You Claim

Personal injuries vary and, consequently, impact a person’s life. The insurance company or the party found liable for the accident is legally required to compensate you for the injuries.The damages include;

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and doctor visits.
• Lost income: Calculated based on any earnings lost due to inability to work.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and psychological distress.
• Property damage: Damage to personal items or vehicles.
• Loss of consortium: Loss of companionship, support, and affection due to the injury.
• Punitive damages: They are awarded to punish the responsible party for particularly egregious actions. These damages are in addition to compensatory damages and are intended to serve as a deterrent to prevent similar actions from occurring.
• Funeral Expenses: Cost of giving the deceased a deserving sendoff
• Hedonic damages: Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of parental guidance: Children are entitled to this damage if the parent or guardian loses their life.

It’s important to note that the type of damages you are entitled to depends on the specific circumstances of your case, which may involve drivers, motorcycle riders, or even families and businesses affected by the incident. We will explain the damages applicable to your claim, highlight your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve while considering the fees and consequences associated with litigation.

Kinds of Compensable Injuries in Rio Rancho

There is no limit to the injuries you may suffer due to someone’s negligence. Some of the compensable injuries in Rio Rancho include, but are not limited to;

• Amputations
• Spinal injuries
• Fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Loss of hearing or vision
• Scars
• Burns
• Electrical shocks

Common Reasons Why Personal Injury Claims Are Denied

Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence is traumatic and stressful. You may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and losses, such as lost wages. However, the process is not easy, and there is no guarantee that you will be compensated if you don’t have a personal injury lawyer from our law office in Rio Rancho, where we cater to both English and Spanish speaking clients, to guide you.

Here are some reasons why your injury claim may be rejected.

1. Failure to Seek Medical Attention

One of the most common reasons personal injury claims in Rio Rancho are rejected is the failure of the victim to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. You should seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries are minor, call the police department or emergency number.

Failure to seek treatment gives the insurance company adjusters an opening to argue that the injuries listed in the claim were not caused by the accident or severe enough to warrant compensation.

We will ensure you receive proper medical care for your injuries and get the medical reports and records to support your claim, which could then result in successful settlements.

2. Delayed Filing of the Claim

Personal injury claims must be filed within a certain timeframe, known as the statute of limitations. In New Mexico, the time limit is three years. A court proceeding must be issued within three years of knowing you sustained injuries from the accident.

We will file your claim within the appropriate time frame, guide you through the legal process, and gather enough evidence to support your claim.

3. Lack of Evidence

The insurance company or party found liable for the accident will rely on the evidence to either counter your claim or calculate a settlement. Your claim should be accompanied by relevant evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and police reports.

Ornelas & Serna will handle and present the evidence-gathering process to the insurance company. The more evidence you have, the higher your chances of getting compensated.

4. Contributory Negligence

In some cases, the insurance company may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. If the court decides that’s the case, the compensation may be reduced or even denied.

No need to worry; we will use our expertise to counter such claims and negotiate a fair settlement even if you were partially responsible. Personal injury lawyers in Rio Rancho will also break down the concept of contributory negligence and build a strong case to demonstrate that you were not at fault for the accident.

5. Insurance Company Denial

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they may try to deny your claim or offer a low settlement to protect their profits. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident.

We will protect you from the insurance adjusters’ tricks and manipulation efforts. We know how they trick clients into taking low settlement amounts and will work hard to ensure it doesn’t happen to you.

Gravity of Injuries in New Mexico

Injury is a serious public health concern that demands our attention. In 2020 alone, New Mexico witnessed a staggering 2,674 lives lost to various forms of injury. Unintentional injuries, including unintentional poisoning, firearm injuries, transportation injuries, and falls, emerged as the leading cause of death among individuals aged 1 to 44. Notably, motor vehicle crashes stood out as the primary cause of mortality among those aged 1 to 24[^1^].

To comprehend the magnitude of injuries nationwide, it is crucial to consider the statistics provided by reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to their data, injuries rank as the leading cause of death among individuals aged 1 to 44, resulting in over 187,000 deaths each year in the United States[^2^]. Furthermore, an additional 31.7 million individuals require medical attention annually due to non-fatal injuries[^2^]. These figures underscore the urgent need for preventive measures and effective interventions to mitigate the devastating impact of injuries.

The Multifaceted Consequences of Injuries

Injuries extend far beyond immediate physical consequences. They cast a shadow over various aspects of an individual’s life, negatively affecting their health, mental well-being, and economic stability. Let’s explore some of the ways injuries impact society:

Premature Death

Injuries are responsible for a significant number of premature deaths. Lives are cut short, leaving behind grieving families and communities burdened by the loss.

Disability

Injuries often result in long-term disabilities that can profoundly impact an individual’s quality of life. Physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments can restrict one’s ability to engage in daily activities and contribute to society.

Poor Mental Health

Experiencing an injury can lead to emotional distress and mental health issues. Coping with pain, trauma, or disabilities stemming from an injury can have a substantial psychological toll on individuals and their loved ones.

High Medical Costs

The financial burden of injuries is substantial. The costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care can place a tremendous strain on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.

Lost Productivity

Injuries not only affect individuals but also have a profound impact on society as a whole. Lost productivity due to injuries hampers economic growth and places additional burdens on communities and businesses.

**References:**

[^1^] Death certificate data, New Mexico Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. Retrieved Mon, 14 March 2022 from the New Mexico Department of Health Indicator-Based Information System (NM-IBIS) for Public Health Web site: [https://ibis.doh.nm.gov](https://ibis.doh.nm.gov).

[^2^] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS), downloaded on 8/14/2014 from [http://www.cdc.gov/injury/WISQARS/](http://www.cdc.gov/injury/WISQARS/).

Why Hire Ornelas & Serna

Ornelas & Serna personal injury lawyers will help you negotiate with the insurance company and advocate for your rights. If necessary, we will take legal action against the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Here are the reasons you should hire us for your personal injury claims.

• Licensed and experienced in handling personal injury claims
• Knowledge of personal injury law
• Ability to negotiate with insurance companies
• Understanding of legal processes and procedures
• Access to resources for investigating and gathering evidence
• An objective perspective on the case
• Ability to calculate damages and determine fair compensation
• Familiarity with medical terminologies and understanding of injuries
• Willingness to take the case to trial if necessary
• Ability to handle communication with other parties involved in the case

If you are feeling stuck and need help deciding whether you should go ahead and file a personal injury claim, get in touch with us. We will evaluate your case for free and present you with all the legal options you can leverage for compensation. After that, we will file the claim for you alongside the evidence collected from the accident scene.

Call us today to book a free and non-obligatory consultation session. We look forward to helping you get fully compensated.

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