New Mexico Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Table of Contents

How We Help: Recent Cases & Results

Many catastrophic injuries in New Mexico arise from industrial incidents, motor vehicle collisions, and unsafe workplaces. Individuals facing these situations often need guidance and advocacy to take on large corporations or insurance companies. Our attorneys have successfully managed cases involving New Mexico's oil and gas, construction, and railroad industries, consistently pursuing settlements and verdicts that consider all dimensions of our clients' losses.

We have recently filed cases in New Mexico for:

• A truck driver who was sitting inside his parked vehicle when another commercial driver struck his vehicle. Our client suffered serious trauma in the collision and still experiences chronic pain.
• A worker who was injured in a commercial vehicle collision in Hobbs. The commercial driver fell asleep at the wheel and ran through a stop sign, striking our client's vehicle with considerable force.
• A motorist who was injured in a collision caused by a driver who pulled out in front of their vehicle at a stop sign without warning. Our client is now suffering the consequences.
• An oilfield worker who was injured in a motor vehicle collision caused by the negligence of another oilfield worker. Our client, a father of two, suffered severe head, neck, and back injuries.
• A family of four that was seriously injured in a collision caused by an oilfield worker operating a commercial vehicle. The worker rear-ended the family's small vehicle at a stop sign.

What Our New Mexico Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Have Accomplished

In legal terms, compensating someone for their losses is called "making them whole." Under the law, a loss renders the plaintiff incomplete, robbed, or reduced, and compensation seeks to restore them. In many cases, a person can never truly be made whole after a catastrophic injury. Compensation must be aimed at providing the person (and often their family) with the means to build a stable and secure future, providing for their lifelong care. 

Our New Mexico catastrophic injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation to cover our clients' economic and non-economic losses that they've already experienced and that they may endure for the rest of their lives.

Our victories for catastrophic injury claims in New Mexico include:

• $14.9 million settlement for injured oilfield workers. When two oilfield workers were severely hurt on the job in Lea County, the companies responsible tried to delay, dispute, and deny. After venue battles, multiple hearings, and discovery challenges, we got our day in court. Just three days into trial—following an initial offer of only $600,000—our team secured a $14.9 million settlement.
• $1.5 million settlement for an injured rig worker. Our team won $1.5 million plus a $1.5 million lifetime workers' compensation lien waiver for a client struck in the head by a drill pipe on a land rig in New Mexico. The case required proving the employer's conduct was “substantially certain to cause injury” under state law—a high legal bar that we met through exhaustive investigation and argument. We settled just days before trial.

Making someone whole means recovering their medical expenses, replacing lost wages, and ensuring all future costs are covered. For catastrophic injury claims, it also includes addressing non-economic damages: pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment, and other severe costs caused by serious injuries. 

Our work delivers better futures for those who have experienced life-changing events.

“If I wouldn't have hired Arnold & Itkin, I don't know where I would be.”  

- Desmond, pipeline explosion survivor

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

While all injuries are serious, there are some that can be classified as “catastrophic.” These are injuries that take a long time to heal and often have lifelong consequences. Truly catastrophic injuries have a life-altering impact on survivors and their families, requiring ongoing medical support while often impeding their ability to return to the same quality of life.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include the following:

• Acoustic Trauma: This refers to injuries that affect your ability to hear—often from prolonged exposure to loud noises. This can be broken into two separate forms of acoustic trauma. One form results from sudden exposure to excessively loud noise; the other is prolonged exposure that causes damage over a long period of time.
• Amputation: The loss of a limb is one of the most devastating injuries. In some cases, traumatic amputation will occur in the course of the accident itself; in others, surgical amputation will be necessary if the limb suffered severe damage. Limb loss can leave the victim unable to continue in their line of work and require prolonged rehabilitation.
• Burn Injuries: Burns are categorized according to the depth of damage to the skin. While first-degree burns affect only the outermost layer of skin (e.g., sunburns), second- and third-degree burns can be extremely painful and result in lifelong scarring and disfigurement. Burns are physically damaging and leave survivors with emotional trauma.
• Loss of Vision: Explosions, accidents, and other serious incidents can cause loss of vision and eye injuries affecting any person in New Mexico. At least 2,000 eye injuries are sustained on the job every day. Workers can lose their vision due to blunt force trauma by a flying object, a fracture, chemical exposure, and lasers.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are classified as either “complete” or “incomplete” depending on how much loss of motor function a survivor loses. Depending on where the injury was sustained and how complete the injury, spinal cord injuries may result in permanent paralysis, making this one of the most catastrophic injuries.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): There are two types of serious head injuries: closed and open. Closed head injuries may involve blunt force trauma, whereas open injuries involve a penetrating force. Regardless, TBI can lead to debilitating primary and secondary consequences. Severe TBI may require the need for around-the-clock care.

Although the types of catastrophic injuries may be different, all have a significant impact on a survivor's life. Seeking counsel from an experienced attorney is one of the most important steps you can take if you or a loved one were seriously injured. At Arnold & Itkin, we are prepared to help you seek the compensation that will pay for your medical needs and so much more. It all starts with a free consultation with our catastrophic injury firm in Albuquerque.

Leading Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in New Mexico

Catastrophic injuries are a significant concern in New Mexico. The state's geography and economy create accident risks different from neighboring regions. Many residents drive long distances on rural highways with high speed limits, and emergency medical care is not always nearby. Local data consistently show higher rates of crash fatalities and serious injuries involving alcohol or distracted driving. Construction and growth in the energy sector have increased workplace hazards across New Mexico. Understanding the primary causes helps with both prevention and legal accountability. 

Recent data show the leading contributors to such life-altering injuries in the state include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents 
Motor vehicle crashes are a predominant cause of catastrophic injuries in New Mexico. In 2023, the state recorded 436 traffic fatalities and 19,023 injuries. 38% of these fatalities were attributed to alcohol-impaired driving. Vast stretches of rural roads, high speed limits, and impaired driving increase the risk of severe accidents leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations.

Falls 
Falls, especially among the elderly, remain a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other severe injuries in New Mexico. Between 2009 and 2011, falls were the primary cause of TBI-related hospitalizations for both males and females in the state. New Mexico public health programs work to reduce fall risks through education and community outreach, especially in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Still, many families face challenges accessing rehabilitation facilities, causing the true cost of catastrophic falls to increase over time.

Workplace Accidents 
Industries such as mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction are central to New Mexico's economy but carry high risks. In 2022, the state reported 12,400 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses across all private industries. Hazards such as heavy machinery, exposure to toxic substances, and challenging environments can result in burns, crush injuries, and serious musculoskeletal disorders.

New Mexico workplace regulations, enforced by the Occupational Health & Safety Bureau, require employers to maintain safe conditions and adequate training. However, when companies neglect safety measures, injuries still occur. Many injury victims in Albuquerque and throughout the state need ongoing resources to manage medical bills, lost wages, and permanent life changes following a serious workplace accident.

You Need a Local Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Albuquerque

One moment, you're just doing your job or driving down the street; the next, everything changes. In the midst of the pain and confusion, you're left wondering what's next. What you do in these moments and the days and weeks following matters. A key part of this is involving a local attorney who has experience with catastrophic injury claims in New Mexico.

After a life-changing injury, one of the most important things you can do is slow down and document everything. Catastrophic injuries don't just affect the body; they reshape a person's entire future. In Albuquerque, that means understanding not only your medical needs but also the systems that surround you: the hospital networks, insurance adjusters, and employers who may already be preparing their defenses. Your attorney can coordinate and manage all communication with interested parties. They can even help by debunking common myths, like the assumption that you have to go to the “company doctor” and cannot choose your own provider or see specialists as needed.

Next comes the part that is essential to proving fault: preserving the truth. Crashes on large interstates like I-25, refinery explosions, and construction site incidents are quickly cleaned up and rebuilt. Evidence disappears—sometimes by neglect, sometimes by design. Witnesses move on, machinery is repaired, and reports are rewritten. The sooner a serious injury lawyer in Albuquerque is involved, the stronger your chance to capture what really happened before it's lost.

Finally, there's the emotional recovery—the part that doesn't necessarily show up on medical charts or claim forms. We've seen families in New Mexico pull together with incredible resilience, but no one should have to navigate corporate lawyers, insurers, and medical debt alone. When you hire a firm like Arnold & Itkin, you're not just hiring attorneys; you're choosing advocates who take over the fight so you can focus on healing. 

Every catastrophic injury case we handle in New Mexico begins with one promise: we will do everything in our power find out why this happened and hold all responsible parties accountable. 

Whether your accident occurred on an oil rig near Hobbs, in an Albuquerque warehouse, or on the open highway, we're here to guide you through the aftermath with the compassion and determination you deserve. 

Trauma & Rehabilitation Centers in New Mexico

After a catastrophic injury, access to the right medical care can make the difference between surviving and truly healing. New Mexico's trauma and rehabilitation network includes several premier hospitals and specialty centers equipped to handle the most severe injuries—from traumatic brain damage and spinal cord trauma to burns and more.

• Located in Albuquerque, UNM Hospital is New Mexico's only Level 1 Trauma Center, verified by the American College of Surgeons. UNM offers 24/7 surgical and neurosurgical coverage, advanced trauma care, and on-site rehabilitation programs. It also serves as a teaching hospital, ensuring access to the latest treatment methods for catastrophic spinal cord, brain, and burn injuries.
• There are no Level II Trauma Centers in New Mexico, but there are severalLevel III Trauma Centers, which offer 24/7 trauma care and certain specialty care services. These include Carlsbad Medical Center, a 99-bed facility that offers inpatient and outpatient services, as well as CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Center in Santa Fe, Eastern NM Medical Center in Roswell, Gallup Indian Medical Center, and San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington.

In terms of rehabilitation after a catastrophic injury, some of the largest facilities in New Mexico include CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Center, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque, Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital, San Juan Regional Medical Center, and Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico.

The immediate and ongoing care you receive after a serious injury will make all the difference in your recovery and your ability to cope with any permanent limitations. As serious injury lawyers in New Mexico who have been practicing for 20+ years, we recognize the importance of securing proper care and complete compensation for all our clients' needs.

Catastrophic Personal Injury Lawsuits in New Mexico

Statute of Limitations & Legal Timelines

Anyone considering a catastrophic injury lawsuit in New Mexico should know that the state enforces strict legal deadlines. Under New Mexico law, most personal injury claims—including catastrophic injury cases—must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. Missing this window could mean forfeiting the right to pursue compensation. Some cases, such as those involving government entities, may have even shorter deadlines or special notice procedures.

This three-year limit applies to lawsuits for injuries caused by negligence, but legal nuances can impact when the clock starts running, such as in cases where the harm was not immediately discovered. Catastrophic events may also trigger exceptions—such as for minors or incapacitated adults—but New Mexico courts apply these narrowly. Consulting with an Albuquerque catastrophic injury attorney early on is a key part of meeting filing deadlines and preserving your rights. 

Comparative Fault

New Mexico follows a pure comparative fault rule for personal injury claims. With this system, any party who contributed to the accident—no matter how small their share—may be assigned a percentage of responsibility. Even if the injured person is partly at fault, they can still recover compensation, but their award may be reduced.

For example, if a pedestrian is catastrophically injured while crossing Cutler Avenue in Albuquerque, and a resulting personal injury lawsuit finds that they were 10% at fault, they may still be able to recover 90% of their damages from the party that was primarily responsible for the incident. New Mexico courts examine facts, testimony, and evidence to determine fault, so thorough documentation is essential to support your claim.

Most injury claims in New Mexico proceed through the state civil court system, and local rules about fault and evidence can differ from neighboring states. With our experience handling catastrophic injury cases here, our team is uniquely qualified to navigate local court procedures and persuasively present cases for maximum compensation. 

Seeking Fair & Complete Economic Damages

When you suffer a catastrophic injury in New Mexico, the financial toll can be overwhelming. Medical expenses alone may exceed hundreds of thousands—sometimes millions—of dollars over a lifetime. Economic damages are meant to compensate for the measurable, tangible losses you face after a serious accident.

The recovery of economic damages covers more than just hospital bills. Many catastrophic injury survivors in New Mexico require years of ongoing medical care, adaptive therapies, medications, and assistive devices. Some families must remodel homes or vehicles for accessibility or travel far for the right specialists. When insurance coverage and savings run out, full economic damages can be essential for long-term stability.

Our Albuquerque catastrophic injury attorneys work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to document the impact of every injury. We pursue the true value of what victims have lost and what they will need.

Economic damages in a New Mexico catastrophic injury case may include:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Surgical procedures and follow-up care
• In-home nursing or attendant care
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Mobility devices and assistive technology
• Home modifications for disability accommodation
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Vocational retraining (if return to work is possible)
• Transportation for medical care

Economic damages are the foundation of any catastrophic injury claim. They offer a starting point for recovery; we fight to ensure they’re just the beginning.

Non-Economic Damages for New Mexico Catastrophic Injury Claims

Injury claims offer plaintiffs a chance to recover the cost of their medical treatment, lost wages, and other dire financial losses from an accident. But catastrophic injury claims are on another scale; the effect of a serious accident isn’t measured in years, but decades. The accident changed the trajectory of your life; we want to help correct that.

Non-economic damages address losses that financial compensation cannot fully restore. New Mexico courts consider the loss of independence, chronic pain, and emotional challenges that come from permanent injuries. Damages often include the loss of favorite activities, damage to relationships, and changes in the daily routines. For those in Albuquerque, this often means missing out on the outdoor and community activities that play a big role in life.

So, our Albuquerque catastrophic injury lawyers fight for plaintiffs to recover non-economic damages—claims that, under the law, only apply to serious and long-term injuries. Non-economic damages are the law’s way of recognizing that your losses aren’t just about finances. With our years of experience handling catastrophic accident claims, we know that you’re facing a real shift in the way that you live—a shift that could be as painful as the injury itself.

Non-economic damages include claims for:

In many ways, catastrophic injuries result in losing the life you could have had if the accident never happened. These losses carry deep psychological and social effects, which our serious injury attorneys in New Mexico present clearly in court. Our record-setting results show our ability to communicate this impact.

How Catastrophic Injuries Affect Families

A catastrophic injury does not only affect the survivor—it changes life for the whole family. Throughout New Mexico, families may have to navigate complex care routines or deal with limited access to medical specialists. Spouses may leave work to care for an injured partner. Children may need support to cope with the new norm. Life may change in every direction for those affected by a serious accident.

The effects of a catastrophic accident last for years. Families adapt to new responsibilities, sometimes balancing caregiving with work and school. Parents or children learn new care routines, arrange for transportation to doctor visits, or seek out public support programs. Community resources may help, but gaps in local services often require families to travel to Albuquerque for advanced care, adding to the financial and emotional burden.

Our Albuquerque catastrophic injury attorneys seek compensation that reflects these broad impacts. That includes support for caregiving, respite care, and loss of household contributions. We look at the full picture—because that's what it takes to help families rebuild.

Liable Parties in Catastrophic Personal Injury Lawsuits

In catastrophic injury cases, determining liability is crucial to securing the compensation needed for a lifetime of care and recovery. Several parties can be held legally responsible for causing serious harm, including individuals and companies. Manufacturers, property owners, employers, medical professionals, and others can be held responsible for failing to provide proper care or for engaging in conduct that places others at risk of experiencing serious injuries.

Companies can be held accountable for catastrophic injuries caused by:

• Negligence: Negligence is a common factor in many catastrophic injury cases. Employers and companies can be liable if they fail to provide a safe working environment, proper training, or adequate supervision. This includes industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, where the consequences of negligence can be particularly severe. Employees, customers, visitors, and consumers may be at risk.
• Unsafe Work Environments: Employers are responsible for ensuring that workplaces meet safety standards and regulations. This includes maintaining equipment, providing safety gear, and implementing comprehensive safety protocols. Companies that fail to address hazardous conditions or ignore safety violations can be held liable for resulting injuries. This applies across all sectors, from construction sites to industrial plants and even office settings.
• Oversight Failures: Oversight failures occur when companies do not adequately monitor and enforce safety measures or when they push employees to work under unsafe conditions. This can include overworking employees, neglecting regular equipment maintenance, or failing to conduct thorough safety inspections. Trucking companies, for example, may be liable if they force drivers to exceed legal driving hours or ignore vehicle maintenance needs.

If a construction company, chemical plant owner, or any other party caused you harm, you deserve an opportunity to hold them accountable. The catastrophic injury lawyers Albuquerque trusts know how to investigate these cases and demand justice on behalf of victims and their families. 

Contact Arnold & Itkin for a Free Consultation: (505) 499-4859

At Arnold & Itkin, we never back down because we do not fear a fight. We meticulously investigate and prepare every catastrophic injury case as though it will go to trial. We take every step needed to secure the best possible outcome for every client. Why? Because we understand we are dealing with people’s lives, and our New Mexico personal injury lawyers believe our clients deserve the chance at the brightest futures. If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury that you believe resulted from a third party's actions, contact our New Mexico serious injury law firm as soon as possible. We have recovered billions of dollars for our clients, and we stand ready to help.

Do not hesitate to contact us todayfor a free consultation. Our Albuquerque catastrophic injury attorneys are here to help.