Santa Fe Personal Injury Lawyers

Why might you need a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer?

If you have been injured in Santa Fe, New Mexico due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you. Here are some ways a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer can ease the process of getting the compensation you deserve:

1. Investigating Your Case: A personal injury lawyer can investigate the details of your case to determine liability and fault. They can collect evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
2. Evaluating Your Claim: A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your claim to determine the value of your damages and losses. They can help you understand your legal options and the potential outcomes of your case.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: A personal injury lawyer can handle communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. They can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that represents the responsible party to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
4. Representing You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a personal injury lawyer can represent you in court. They can present your case to a judge and jury and fight for your rights and fair compensation.
5. Providing Legal Advice: A personal injury lawyer can provide you with legal advice and guidance throughout the process. They can help you understand your legal rights, explain the legal process, and answer your questions.
6. Handling Legal Paperwork: A personal injury lawyer can handle the legal paperwork involved in your case, such as filing documents with the court and communicating with the insurance companies.

In summary, a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, fight for your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after being injured due to someone else’s negligence as a driver or another person involved.

What can a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer sue for?

A Santa Fe personal injury lawyer can sue for a variety of damages, depending on the circumstances of the case and specific factors involved. Here are some of the things a personal injury lawyer may sue for:

1. Medical expenses: If you have been injured in an accident, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
2. Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, a personal injury lawyer may sue for lost wages and lost earning capacity.
3. Pain and suffering: A personal injury lawyer may sue for damages for physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from an accident or injury.
4. Property damage: If your property, such as your car or personal belongings, was damaged in an accident, a personal injury lawyer may sue for damages to repair or replace the property.
5. Punitive damages: In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, a personal injury lawyer may sue for punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
6. Wrongful death damages: If a loved one died as a result of an accident or injury, a personal injury lawyer may sue for damages for funeral expenses, loss of support and companionship, and other related expenses.

These are just a few examples of the types of damages a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer may sue for, such as insurance claims from motor vehicle accidents. It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options and the types of damages you may be able to recover.

How Much Will a Santa Fe Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Ornelas and Serna offer their services for those who have experienced personal injuries on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t need to pay any legal fees upfront and won’t need to worry about taking money out of your pocket to employ us.

We will only take our agreed-upon legal fees and expenses out of your eventual settlement and you will receive the rest. Furthermore, we provide a free consultation and review of your case in order to help you make the most informed decision for yourself. Don’t just take our word for it – check out testimonials from past clients to see how we’ve helped them achieve justice.

The time frame specified by New Mexico law for submitting a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Santa Fe is three years from the date of injury or death, but in some cases only two years and 90 days from an accident or fatality to file and notify the appropriate authorities. It is strongly suggested to seek legal help immediately for a better grasp of the circumstances.

How much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

The process for pursuing a personal injury claim can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but here is a general overview of the personal injury claims process:

What is the personal injury claims process?

This is a general overview of the personal injury claims process. Each case is unique and may involve different steps or timelines. It’s important to work closely with an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

1. Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should always be your top priority after an accident or injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Your medical records will be important evidence in your personal injury case.
2. Consult with a personal injury lawyer: It’s a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident or injury. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, evaluate your case, and advise you on the best course of action.
3. Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident or injury. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals.
4. Demand letter: Your lawyer will draft a demand letter to the party responsible for your injuries, outlining the damages you are seeking and the legal basis for your claim.
5. Negotiation: The other party may respond to your demand letter with a settlement offer. Your lawyer will negotiate with the other party to try to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your damages.
6. Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may file a lawsuit and pursue your claim in court. This may involve discovery, depositions, and a trial.
7. Settlement or verdict: If your case goes to trial, the judge or jury will determine the outcome. If you win, you will be awarded damages. If you settle your case out of court, you will receive a settlement amount agreed upon by both parties.

Ultimately, whether you decide to hire Ornelas and Serna or any other personal injury lawyer will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Our practice focuses on helping clients seek justice for their injuries, and we offer free consultations to better understand your case. Call us today for a FREE consultation.

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 should I hire Ornelas and Serna for my personal injury case?

1. Experience: Ornelas and Serna have extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, and they understand the legal and medical issues involved in these cases.
2. Personalized attention: Ornelas and Serna provide personalized attention to each client, and they work closely with clients to understand their needs and goals.
3. Results: Ornelas and Serna have a track record of successfully representing clients in personal injury cases and obtaining favorable settlements or verdicts.
4. Resources: Ornelas and Serna have access to resources and experts that can help strengthen your case, such as medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists.
5. Communication: Ornelas and Serna prioritize communication with their clients, keeping them informed of the progress of their case and answering any questions they may have.

Common Questions About Santa Fe Personal Injury Lawyers

When it comes to personal injury lawyers, there are many questions that people have. If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in Santa Fe, you may have questions about what they can do for you, how much they cost, and more.

-What experience do you have with personal injury cases in Santa Fe?

At Ornelas and Serna, we have been handling personal injury cases in Santa Fe for over two decades. Our team of experienced attorneys have a proven track record of success in obtaining the maximum compensation for our clients. We understand the complexities of personal injury law and the importance of getting the best outcome for our clients. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation and ensure that our clients receive the best possible results.

We have a team of experienced attorneys who are knowledgeable in all areas of personal injury law. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing the best possible legal representation for our clients. They have a deep understanding of the complexities of personal injury law and are well-versed in the various legal strategies that can be used to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

-What is your success rate in these types of cases?

Our team has a long track record of success in these types of cases, with a success rate of over 90%. We have a team of experienced attorneys who are dedicated to providing the best possible legal representation for our clients. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in all areas of the law, from family law to criminal law, and are committed to providing the highest quality of legal services. We understand that legal matters can be complex and stressful, so we strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

-How will you handle my case?

We understand that this is a difficult and often confusing process, and we want to make sure that you feel supported and taken care of. We will provide you with a team of experienced professionals who will work with you every step of the way.  They will be available to answer questions,  provide advice, and offer guidance throughout the entire process.

-What are the likely outcomes of my case?

When it comes to the likely outcomes of a case, it is important to understand that no two cases are the same. Every case is unique and has its own set of facts and circumstances that will affect the outcome.

-What are the next steps in my personal injury claim?

It is important to understand that each personal injury claim is unique and the steps taken to resolve the claim will depend on the individual facts and circumstances of the case. For instance, if the claim is related to a car accident, the insurance company may require a police report, photos of the scene, and statements from any witnesses. If the claim is related to a medical issue, the insurance company may require a doctor to provide a detailed medical report outlining the diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis. This report should include all relevant medical information, such as the patient’s medical history, any medications they are taking, and any other relevant information.