Rio Rancho Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Rio Rancho, NM

A spinal cord injury can be life-changing. It can affect more than just a person’s back and can lead to major physical limitations, sometimes permanently, as well as significant financial losses. These injuries can lead to extensive medical care and long-term emotional and psychological effects. If you or someone you know suffered a spinal cord injury, a Rio Rancho spinal cord injury lawyer at Berenson & Associates, PC can help.

About Berenson & Associates, PC

Our Rio Rancho personal injury attorney is committed to defending the rights of you and your family. At Berenson & Associates, PC, our founding partner, Rachel Berenson, is an AV-rated attorney with over 25 years of experience and a reputation for knowledge and caring advocacy.

Rachel is certified in accident reconstruction, and we handle a variety of cases, including personal injury, car accidents, and nursing home neglect and abuse. We are here to guide you through difficult times and offer honest advice. We can help you understand your rights and work diligently for the outcome you deserve.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are a result of damage to the spinal column and/or nerves and tissues, which disrupt communication between the brain and the body. The severity of spinal cord injuries varies based on the extent and location, and can result in the following:

• Disability (temporary or permanent)
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Impaired muscle movement
• Damage to the senses

The spinal cord is involved in crucial functions, such as movement, respiration, and bladder control. Therefore, spinal injuries can cause significant life alterations in patients’ lives. Patients suffering from spinal cord injuries may require multiple forms of assistance, including rehabilitation, special devices, and necessary home changes that require financial support.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries occur as a result of trauma or a serious hit to the back. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries are: 

• Motor vehicle accidents account for 37.3% of injuries
• Falls, accounting for 32%
• Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds, account for 15.5%
• Sports injuries, accounting for 7.7%

New Mexico Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injury claims are considered a form of personal injury. New Mexico’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is relatively strict. A claim must be filed within three years of the accident date in California court cases. If you miss this deadline, you may never get a second chance to file and lose your right to compensation. If the case goes to court and the defendant raises a statute-of-limitations defense, the court can dismiss it.

Exceptions to the statute are few. If the injured party is under 18 at the time of the accident, the period does not begin until their 18th birthday. If the defendant leaves the state, any time they are out of state is not counted against the statute of limitations. Additionally, if a person is incapacitated, they have one year after their incapacity ends to file a spinal cord injury claim.

Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury lawyer in Rio Rancho can make a world of difference if you’ve sustained this type of injury. These injuries can completely alter your life. A Rio Rancho personal injury attorney knows how to calculate the monetary damages that have been incurred and can fight to get you the greatest recovery available.

These cases involve specific medical evidence, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our spinal cord injury lawyers in Rio Rancho are experienced in these types of cases and are able to help you recover maximum compensation. It is often necessary to find out who or what caused your injury, and an adept attorney can do that. These claims can be complex and require knowledge of spinal cord injury laws.

Berenson & Associates, PC can help. If your case goes to trial, it could be held at the Sandoval County District Courthouse in Bernalillo, near Rio Rancho. Hire a spinal cord injury lawyer who can fight for your rights and go after what is optimal for you.

FAQs

What Is the Average Dollar Amount of a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

The value of a spinal cord injury claim can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury, future medical requirements, loss of earning capacity, and the impact on the victim’s overall quality of life. Factors such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the cost of future care may also be considered. It’s difficult to provide a specific dollar range without knowing the details of the case.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove?

The most challenging injuries to prove are usually the ones without visible or tangible evidence, such as traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, or psychological injuries. Medical examinations usually cannot detect these conditions, so establishing them relies on comprehensive documentation, professional testimony, and legal arguments to show how the injury affects daily life.

What Should I Look for in a Rio Rancho Spinal Cord Injury Attorney?

When choosing a Rio Rancho spinal cord injury attorney, prioritize experience in catastrophic injury cases, a proven track record with high-value settlements, and access to medical professionals for proving long-term costs. Look for attorneys who offer compassionate, clear communication. Verify experience in New Mexico courts, as the state’s three-year statute of limitations and comparative negligence rules are critical. Contact the State Bar for referrals and act quickly to meet deadlines.

How Much Can a Lawyer Take From a Settlement in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not get paid or charge you unless you are successful with the claim. Their fee is a percentage of that settlement. The percentage that they take should be agreed upon between the two of you before the case ends. Be sure to speak with your attorney about payment expectations so there are no surprises.

Contact Berenson & Associates, PC Today

If you or someone you know suffered a spinal cord injury, do not delay in seeking legal assistance. Berenson & Associates, PC can help. Contact us today to get started.