Espanola Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Espanola Catastrophic Injury Attorney

No one wakes up and thinks that today could be the day their life will change forever. Unfortunately, unforeseen accidents and injuries happen. When these injuries are catastrophic, you need to reach out to an experienced and well-regarded Espanola, NM catastrophic injury lawyer. If you or a loved one suffers a traumatic injury, calling it overwhelming is a clear understatement.

At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC, we understand that suffering a catastrophic injury can leave you with life-changing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. That is why we are uniquely positioned to offer the highly experienced legal guidance and compassionate support you need to navigate through these difficult times.

Our team has a long history of advocating for victims in Espanola and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A claim is considered catastrophic when the injuries sustained in an accident are severe enough to cause permanent disability, require ongoing care, or lead to significant life changes. Catastrophic injuries can result in long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and the need for day-to-day care and assistance. These injuries often impact a person’s ability to work, enjoy daily activities, or care for themselves. This can have far-reaching consequences on their emotional and financial well-being.

If you or a loved one has suffered from such an injury due to someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, you have the right to compensation. Our attorneys are here to help you seek justice and find a path forward in these difficult times.

In New Mexico, catastrophic injury claims may be eligible for higher compensation amounts due to the long-term care costs and the devastating impact they have on the victim’s life. These claims are more complex than typical personal injury cases, as they involve calculating future medical costs, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact on the individual’s quality of life.

Common types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries. These can result in paralysis or loss of movement and sensation.
• Brain injuries. These can range from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to concussions that affect cognition, memory, and motor skills.
• Amputations. This is where a limb is lost due to trauma or surgery.
• Severe burns. These can cause disfigurement and permanent scarring.
• Multiple fractures. These often involve bones that require extensive treatment or surgery.
• Internal injuries. These can include damage to vital organs, which may lead to long-term complications.

Each of these injuries may require lifelong medical care, extensive rehabilitation, and sometimes permanent assistance, which can significantly affect the individual’s quality of life – physically, emotionally, and financially. A catastrophic injury claim is unique in that it focuses on the severity and long-term effects of the injuries, addressing both the current and future needs of the injured party.

Accidents That Can Lead to Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are most commonly the result of major accidents or the negligence of a corporation. These accidents can happen in a variety of settings, including on the road, at the workplace, or in public spaces. In Espanola, NM, many catastrophic injuries are linked to the following types of accidents:

• Car accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries in New Mexico. Whether due to distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless driving, a car accident can cause catastrophic injuries like brain trauma or spinal cord damage.
• Truck accidents. Collisions with large commercial trucks are often devastating. These accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved.
• Construction site accident. Construction sites, factories, and other industries can be dangerous environments. Workers who suffer catastrophic injuries while at these sites may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.
• Slip and fall accidents. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises. When a slip and fall incident results in a serious injury, the property owner may be held liable for the damages.
• Criminal acts. In some cases, catastrophic injuries occur as a result of violent crimes. Assault, battery, rape, and other criminal actions can lead to physical injuries that require extensive medical treatment and result in permanent consequences.

No matter the cause of the accident, if you have experienced a catastrophic injury, you should seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who can assist you in understanding your rights and work towards securing the compensation necessary for your recovery and you and your family’s well-being. At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC, we work closely with our clients to understand the impact their injuries have had on their lives. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice. We believe that personal injury cases not only aim to compensate victims and their families, but make our communities safer through holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable.

How Much Do Injury Lawyers Cost in NM?

As personal injury lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis and pay expenses in the case, like expert witnesses, investigations, and other costs of litigation. This means that the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive from your case, and you do not owe any fees unless you win or settle the case. This arrangement ensures that injury victims have access to legal representation without upfront costs, making it easier for individuals to pursue justice, especially in catastrophic injury cases.

Contingency fees allow clients to focus on their recovery without the added stress of worrying about legal bills. If we do not secure compensation for your catastrophic injury, you do not owe us any attorney fees, making it a risk-free option for those in need of our help.

FAQs

How Does a Catastrophic Injury Affect Claims for Emotional Damages?

Catastrophic injuries often lead to profound emotional trauma. These claims address the non-physical toll of your injury and can be a significant part of your total compensation. Sometimes the emotional trauma is diagnosed, like depression or PTSD. Sometimes individuals do not seek treatment for this trauma. We will work with you to identify ways the trauma has impacted your life in order to give a jury a real sense of the impact of the event on you and your family. If you are struggling with emotional trauma, we recommend you seek assistance from a licensed therapist or counselor.

Can Pre-Existing Conditions Impact My Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify your claim. Insurers may argue that your injuries stem from pre-existing conditions and not the accident itself. However, under the law in New Mexico, you can recover damages for worsened or aggravated conditions. In most cases, we will review your medical history and records to maximize recovery.

Are Punitive Damages Possible in Catastrophic Injury Claims?

Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions were found to be grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer with the intention of deterring similar behavior in the future. Evidence of extreme misconduct, such as drunk driving, can increase the likelihood of securing punitive damages.

Can a Catastrophic Injury Claim Include Damages for Home Modifications?

Yes, if the injury you sustained requires modifications to the home like wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, or stair lifts, the costs of these modifications can be included in your claim. These expenses are considered necessary in order to adapt your living space to meet your new physical limitations, ensuring your home remains accessible and functional.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury in Espanola, NM, Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC is here to help. Our experienced team of attorneys is ready to offer compassionate and competent assistance in the fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you take the next step in your journey toward recovery and justice.