Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Las Cruces

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

  Residents of Las Cruces may call 575-526-0795 for non-emergency police matters.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

  The police department is at 217 E Picacho Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88004, and the Records Section is reachable at 575-528-4137.

• If a parking lot owner in Las Cruces fails to keep up with tree pruning duties and a branch falls on a patron, causing a concussion, is there a cause of action under personal injury law?

  Yes, the patron who was concussed by the falling branch when visiting the parking lot in Las Cruces has a cause of action for a premises liability suit. Landowners are required under state law to keep their real estate safe for others. This duty extends to keeping trees in a public parking lot well-trimmed to prevent overgrown branches from hitting bystanders on the head.

• If a person in Las Cruces was bitten by a snappy chihuahua while trying to pet the latter, can the dog's owner claim that the animal was provoked to avoid liability?

  No, the owner of the snappy chihuahua in Las Cruces cannot argue that the animal was provoked into attacking when it was patted. Simply petting an animal is not a provocative action in itself. The pet owner also has no valid defense if there is no indication that the plaintiff was warned about the canine's tendency toward violence.

• May a resident of Las Cruces file a negligent security claim against a property owner if mugged in the latter's non-secure parking lot?

  Yes, a resident of Las Cruces has a negligent security claim against a parking lot owner who does not secure the premises with sufficient security measures. The proprietor is obliged to provide adequate solutions like surveillance cameras, warning signs, armed staff, and fences to deter thieves from preying upon patrons.

• What are the common kinds of truck company negligence that personal injury lawyers in Las Cruces see?

  Personal injury lawyers in Las Cruces often deal with trucking companies that neither provide sufficient training to their drivers nor screen job applicants for adequate experience levels. Employers are also prone to skimping on background checks when hiring staff and neglecting to test periodically for the use of prohibited substances.

• Who are the parties in Las Cruces who are allowed to file wrongful death claims?

  The parties in Las Cruces who are allowed to file wrongful death claims are generally those who are entitled to inherit from the deceased. These surviving heirs range from the departed's surviving spouse to the children from the most recent or previous marriages. Parents are also allowed to file suit, as are the living siblings.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.