Spine Injury Lawyers in Albuquerque with Record-Breaking Results
Caused by truck accidents, falls, industrial accidents, and other catastrophic incidents, spinal cord injuries are devastating and may be permanent. If the spinal cord is severely damaged, a victim will most likely lose sensation, muscle control, and function below the point of injury. Everything that they have envisioned for their future may be put on hold or might now be impossible. There is hope. Our New Mexico spinal cord injury lawyers are committed to making a brighter and more stable future a reality for our clients. We have helped countless workers, families, and individuals in New Mexico and nationwide after the worst accidents and injuries, holding responsible parties accountable.
To find out how a spine injury attorney in Albuquerque can help you, call (888) 493-1629. Your consultation is free, and you pay no upfront costs and nothing at all unless we win.
Helping You Recover & Rebuild After a Spine Injury
Rehabilitation, assistive devices, and in-home modifications and care can help a person with a spinal cord injury lead a productive, independent, and fulfilling life. But all of this can easily cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over one's life. That is why our Albuquerque spinal cord injury lawyers advocate for catastrophic injury survivors and their families, to help them seek and recover 100% of all medical and ongoing care costs from at-fault parties.
We handle spine injury cases in New Mexico and across the U.S. that involve:
The type of accident determines the kind of claim our Albuquerque spine accident attorneys would build against those responsible. For traffic accidents or other instances of negligence, you may have a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. For a work-related spinal cord injury, you may be able to file a workers' compensation claim and a third-party personal injury lawsuit. For a defective product, we may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against a manufacturer or another responsible party. For accidents and injuries on another’s property, a premises liability lawsuit may apply.
Why Do Spinal Cord Injuries Happen in New Mexico?
New Mexico's landscape is as diverse as its industries—and with that comes a unique set of risks that can lead to catastrophic spinal cord injuries. While these injuries can occur in countless ways, their occurrence is often influenced by the state's specific economic activities, infrastructure, and even environmental conditions.
Trucking & Other Motor Vehicle Collisions On New Mexico's main highways, like I-25, I-40, and I-10, heavy traffic from oilfield trucks, freight haulers, and passenger vehicles creates dangerous conditions. Rural interstates and two-lane roads often lack adequate lighting or safety barriers, increasing the severity of crashes when they happen. In urban areas like Albuquerque or Las Cruces, congested streets and high-speed commuting corridors add another layer of risk.
Industrial/Workplace Accidents The state's economy also relies heavily on industries like oil and gas, mining, construction, and manufacturing—all of which involve high-risk environments where a single safety lapse can lead to life-changing spinal injuries. Workers in Eddy County and Lea County oilfields, at sites like Sandia National Laboratories, or working for major New Mexico manufacturers like Intel, Jabil, ABB Installation Products, or Southwest Cheese, must deal with long shifts, heavy machinery, hazardous substances, and complex processes where a single safety lapse could lead to disaster.
Remote Locations & Delayed Response New Mexico's varied terrain and weather play a role, too. Remote work locations can delay emergency response after a serious back injury. Dust storms, icy mountain passes, and sudden downpours can turn an already hazardous situation into a catastrophic one for a person who has just suffered a spinal cord injury.
As New Mexico spinal cord injury attorneys, we understand that behind every injury is a chain of preventable factors: poor maintenance, unsafe practices, insufficient training, or a company choosing profits over safety. By uncovering the “why,” we hold those responsible accountable.
Your Legal Rights & Filing Deadlines for Spine Injuries in New Mexico
The steps you take immediately after a spinal cord injury can make a critical difference in both your physical recovery and your ability to seek justice. First and foremost, get emergency medical attention. Spinal trauma is often more severe than it initially appears, and immediate stabilization (and safe transfer) is essential to prevent further damage. Once your condition is stable, make sure the incident is reported to the proper authorities, whether it's local law enforcement, your employer, or another responsible party.
Document everything you can about the accident and your injuries. This includes photographs of the scene, contact information for witnesses, and copies of any medical records or diagnostic imaging. Keep all bills, receipts, and correspondence related to your injury, as these can be vital in proving your damages later.
When seriously injured, one of the most important steps is to involve an attorney. The sooner a proven New Mexico spinal cord injury attorney can get started on your case, the better. At Arnold & Itkin, we work quickly to investigate your case, preserve key evidence, and take on insurance companies or corporations trying to minimize your claim.
In New Mexico, most personal injury claims, including those involving spinal cord injuries, must be filed within three years of the date of the accident (two years if a government entity is involved). Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering compensation. Cases arising in Albuquerque or the surrounding area are often heard in the Second Judicial District Court for Bernalillo County, or in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico if filed federally.
Resources for Albuquerque Spinal Cord Injury Patients & Families
Recovering from a spinal cord injury requires access to the best medical and rehabilitative care available. In Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, there are trusted hospitals and rehabilitation centers ready to support you and your loved ones through every stage, from emergency treatment to long-term recovery.
Emergency & Acute Care
Located in Albuquerque, University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) is the only Level 1 trauma center in New Mexico, offering top-tier emergency, neurosurgical, and spinal care services. Its advanced trauma team is available 24/7.
Your path to recovery matters. Whether you're facing immediate medical emergencies or the long and complex journey of rehabilitation, Arnold & Itkin is here to help. A spine injury lawyer in Albuquerque can offer insight into your legal options and your right to compensation.
The spinal cord is a crucial component of the central nervous system; any damage can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. There are several types of spinal cord injuries, each varying in severity and long-term effects:
Paraplegia Paraplegia results from damage to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord, typically affecting the lower half of the body. Individuals with paraplegia experience loss of motor and sensory function in their legs and lower body. While the upper body and arms generally remain unaffected, those with paraplegia may require mobility aids such as wheelchairs and may need to adapt their living environments to maintain independence.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is caused by injuries to the cervical spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs and the torso. Individuals with quadriplegia may lose motor function and sensation below the level of injury, impacting the ability to breathe independently, requiring ventilators, and necessitating comprehensive rehabilitation and assistive technologies. Quadriplegia is the most severe spinal cord injury a person may experience.
Complete Spinal Cord Injury A complete spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a total loss of motor and sensory function below the site of the injury. In these cases, there is no communication between the brain and the parts of the body below the injury level. This can lead to either paraplegia or quadriplegia, depending on the injury's location. Complete SCIs require significant medical intervention and long-term care to manage complications and support the affected individual’s daily living needs.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury An incomplete spinal cord injury allows for some degree of sensation and movement below the injury site. The extent of impairment varies widely, depending on the injury’s severity and location. Types of incomplete SCIs include anterior cord syndrome, which affects motor function and sensation below the injury level, and central cord syndrome, which primarily impacts the upper limbs. Rehabilitation and physical therapy can often improve outcomes for incomplete SCIs.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome Brown-Séquard Syndrome is a rare form of incomplete spinal cord injury characterized by damage to one side of the spinal cord. This injury often results in loss of movement and sensation on the injured side and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side. Individuals with Brown-Séquard Syndrome may retain some function in their limbs but often experience significant challenges affecting coordination and mobility.
Spinal Fractures & Dislocations Spinal fractures and dislocations can also lead to spinal cord injuries. These injuries occur when the vertebrae are broken or displaced, potentially compressing or severing the spinal cord. The severity of the injury depends on the extent of the fracture or dislocation, its impact on the spinal cord, and the promptness of medical treatment. With spinal fractures and dislocations, early intervention is crucial to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
There is no such thing as a “minor” spinal cord injury. If you or someone you love has sustained any spine, neck, or back injury, our Albuquerque spine injury law firm is here to help.
Compensation for Your New Mexico Spinal Cord Injury Case
Victims of spinal cord injuries in New Mexico may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help cover the extensive costs and life changes associated with their injuries. A successful personal injury lawsuit for a spine injury may include economic and non-economic damages, depending on the extent of the injury and its impact on the plaintiff's life.
Pain and suffering, including the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Loss of consortium, which may apply to spouses and family who lose companionship and support due to the injury.
Taxability of Compensation for Albuquerque Spine Injury Cases
In general, compensation received for physical injuries or sickness, including spinal cord injuries, is not taxable under federal law. This means that settlements or awards for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages due to a physical injury are typically not subject to income tax. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional and your attorney to understand the specific tax implications of your New Mexico spinal cord injury settlement or award.
Limits on Compensation in New Mexico Spine Injury Cases
New Mexico does not impose caps on economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages) in spinal cord injury cases, allowing you to recover the full amount necessary to cover your financial losses. However, there is a cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in medical malpractice cases, which is currently set at $750,000. It is important to note that these caps do not apply to all personal injury cases, and an experienced spinal cord injury attorney in New Mexico can help clarify how these limits might affect your specific case.
At Arnold & Itkin, our goal is to ensure that spinal cord injury survivors and families receive the maximum compensation available to support their recovery and future needs.
How a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in New Mexico Can Help
After a spinal cord injury, your choice of attorney can mean the difference between struggling to recover and having the resources you need for life. At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve fought for clients across New Mexico—from Albuquerque to Las Cruces—and we know the challenges unique to this state. From understanding the nuances of New Mexico’s personal injury laws to navigating the court systems in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Doña Ana Counties, our team is prepared to handle every detail. We work to ensure your story is heard, deadlines are met, and every avenue for recovery is explored—because nothing less will do.
Our Investigative Approach
No two spinal cord injuries are alike. That’s why we approach every case with fresh eyes and an unmatched commitment to uncovering the truth. Our spinal cord injury attorneys in New Mexico collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, top medical professionals, and vocational specialists to show the full scope of your injury’s impact—from lost earning capacity to the lifetime cost of care. Because we’ve handled cases across the state and nationwide, we can anticipate the tactics local insurers and opposing counsel might use, and we know how to counter them effectively.
Identifying Who’s Responsible
Spinal cord injuries often involve multiple liable parties. In New Mexico, that might mean an employer in the oilfields near the Permian Basin, a trucking company moving freight along I-40, or a negligent manufacturer whose product failed on the job. We dig deep to identify every responsible party, using medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to build the strongest possible case. This thorough approach ensures no opportunity for compensation is left on the table.
The Power of Negotiation & Trial Advocacy
While you focus on healing, we handle every negotiation with insurance companies and defense teams. We fight to recover compensation for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and future needs. If the other side refuses to make a fair offer, we’re ready to take your case to trial in New Mexico’s state or federal courts—often, the willingness to go to court is what forces insurers to act fairly. From start to finish, you’ll have a dedicated team of trial-ready New Mexico spine injury lawyers in your corner, committed to winning the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Securing Real Results for Real People
“We were about to go on break when I heard a big, loud boom.”
The incidents that cause severe spinal cord trauma are often cataclysmic. In this case, a worker was just doing his job when his whole world was turned upside down. He sought help from our firm, and we delivered a result that helped him face a more stable future after an accident that had put everything at risk.
"You know the pain, nightmares, and everything I was going through—I hired Arnold & Itkin and they helped me out a lot, supported me a lot…It meant a lot to me because I don't think I could have made it through without them.”
Every person that comes to our New Mexico serious injury firm deserves our time and attention. We recognize our clients as real people who need real results in order to improve their lives. Our steadfast approach and willingness to go the extra mile for our clients have helped us win more than $20 billion in verdicts and settlements.
Some of our nationwide spinal cord injury case results include:
$120 million settlement for workers who experienced serious orthopedic and spinal injuries in a refinery explosion.
$117 million settlement for a pregnant woman who suffered spine and brain injuries in an ambulance accident.
$77.5 million settlement for a worker left paralyzed after a serious forklift accident.
$49.5 million for a young man left paralyzed by an accident on an offshore platform.
We are also currently handling the following spine injury cases in New Mexico:
Don't leave your future to chance. Contact our teamto talk about your case during a free, confidential consultation.
CommonQuestions
What Should I Do After a Spinal Cord Injury in New Mexico?
If you were injured in any type of accident, you need to make your health a top priority. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, and follow your doctor’s orders. Seek out a specialist if needed. Once you’ve received the medical care you need, contact an attorney. You have specific rights and responsibilities when it comes to filing a spinal cord injury claim, and an experienced attorney can set you on the right track.
If you were injured at work, for example, you have only 15 days to inform your employer or your right to workers’ comp benefits could be jeopardized. If you were injured at work or in any other scenario, it will be important to have your attorney handle all communication with the insurance provider and other parties to ensure you are not wrongly blamed for the accident or pressured into accepting an unfairly low settlement. The right attorney will be there to protect your interests every step of the way. That’s the level of counsel you’ll find at Arnold & Itkin.
What Experience Do You Have With Spinal Cord Injury Cases?
Our firm has extensive experience handling spinal cord injury cases for all types of individuals and workers across the country. We secured a $117 million personal injury verdict for a pregnant woman who suffered spinal cord and brain injuries in an accident while she was being transported in an ambulance. We also negotiated a $7.4 million settlement for a contractor who experienced spinal injuries in a plant accident, a $5.3 million settlement for a worker who suffered a spine injury in a workplace explosion, and fought for a $3.2 million recovery for a worker who experienced spinal cord injuries during a plant turnaround. We have numerous million-dollar and multi-million dollar recoveries for spinal cord injury victims–the type of results that ensure they’re lifelong care.
What Does It Cost to Hire Your Firm to Handle My Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Arnold & Itkin handles spinal cord injury cases in New Mexico and across the U.S. on contingency. This means we only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict on behalf of our clients. We also forward all expenses related to investigating, preparing, and litigating these cases. If you work with our firm, you do not have to worry about any upfront costs and pay no legal fees at all unless we win. There’s no risk but so much to gain by putting our team in your corner–especially when you consider the level of care and attention we put into every case and client.
